Voices of Connection: 12/13 I Wander as I Wonder

This next carol comes from our 2019 Family Concert, and is an original arrangement by Colin Britt, who was also the guest conductor for that event. “I Wonder as I Wander” which I tend to think of as a classic American folk carol, is actually an original composition by John Jacob Niles, a folklorist and composer who was associated with the Folk Revival of the 1950s and 1960s (perhaps best known for “Black Is the Color of My True Love’s Hair”).

On a personal note, my first memory of this haunting tune comes from my very first experience of organized singing, as a boy soprano in the Redwood Coast Children’s Chorus under the direction of Kathe Lyth. I learned a great deal about (and developed a great love of) choral singing from Kathe, who passed away in October of this year after a long battle with cancer. This might seem like a sad note to strike, but especially in this year, I think it’s important to remember that the holidays can be especially hard for those who have lost someone recently, or during a previous holiday season, or—and this will be the case for many this year—are just unable to celebrate with those they love.

I treasure my memories of Kathe and my lifelong love of singing, and I hope that music can help bring some joy to all during this season. – Wesley Chinn

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JOHN JACOB NILES I Wonder as I Wander (arr. Britt)

Voices of Ascension
Dennis Keene, Artistic Director
Colin Britt, Guest Conductor

Recorded live at the Voices of Ascension HOLIDAY FAMILY CONCERT
Wednesday, December 14, 2019, The Church of the Ascension, New York City
The singers in this performance are represented by the American Guild of Musical Artists, AFL-CIO.

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