Winter Solstice has been recognized by all ancient cultures with rituals and celebration. Paul Winter Consort and a dedicated audience braved a snowstorm to celebrate Solstice (albeit a little late) at the venerated Troy Music Hall on December 26, 2025. This is part of a 10 city tour the consort does annually.
The Consort brings music of the world and the wonder of nature together in all its performance. The band represents Brazilian, jazz, gospel, classical and Eastern European influences. Music was performed that is familiar such as the self-penned “Icarus” to many as well as the recently released “Horn of Plenty”.
Paul noted many parallels between pieces of music and the sounds of nature. The morning song of a woodthrush was noted to be in the same key and tempo of a Bach composition in “The Well Tempered Wood Thrush.
Many parallel sounds between the world’s music and life are the band’s repetoire and members are from throughout the world. Cellist Eugene Friesen is classically trained. Pianist Enrique Eisenman is Brazilian, Bassist Peter Slavov is well known in the world of jazz but originally was trained in the classics, and Tareq Rantisi is a Grammy-nominated world percussionist, composer, and educator who studied at the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music in Palestine.
Theresa Thomason brings the influence of gospel music to the band. Her powerful yet sensitive vocals gives the Consort a unique touch. The complimentary lighting and the sonics of the hall aided by the engineering of the Consort’s crew and the house staff was perfection. This made braving Mother Nature’s elements worthwhile.
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