Carol of the Birds

“Carol of the Birds” Traditional Catalonian Carol Words and Arrangement by Chris de Silva Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church Choir Dr. Ray Landis, Director and Pianist Josie Moe and Mesheala Sundblade, Soloists Mika Hood, Cellist Filmed and Recorded by Jonathan Barros and Dani Rodriguez December 2025 Notes: El cant dels ocells (The Song of the Birds), a traditional Catalonian song, is a Christmas lullaby made famous by exiled cellist Pablo Casals, who ended his concerts with the piece in tribute to the people of his country. This arrangement features two solo voices in dialogue with solo cello. The wordless introduction seeks to evoke the mystery of the Incarnation. I have written a new text, drawing our imagination to those journeying from different “lands afar” to contemplate the Nativity of the Lord, to those who yearn to understand this mysterious event that brings light, peace and joy to the world in the midst of deep conflict and struggle.  —Chris de Silva