Zero summer

LORELEI ENSEMBLE
Beth Willer, conductor


"Zero Summer takes the audience and performers on a journey of stillness and waiting, from utter darkness to blinding light."
-Beth Willer, Artistic Director

Zero Summer travels through the stillness and waiting of advent, lingers in the absolute darkness of “zero summer” (or winter solstice) , and the renewal of first light that follows. The program interweaves the familiar and the new, with two world premieres and contemporary works threaded through with medieval chant and arrangements of traditional hymn tunes. This hour-long concert program is for both audience members who enjoy a traditional holiday program and those who are looking to experience something new.

World Premieres and commissions

Zero Summer features a newly commissioned arrangement by Syrian-American-Canadian composer Kareem Roustom of the Syriac advent prayer A Glorious Light, and the premiere of Elena Ruehr's longest night. The program will also include Jocelyn Hagen’s arrangement of O Holy Night, commissioned for and premiered by Lorelei in 2025.

Upcoming Performances and Tickets

Past Winter Solstice Programs

2025: Frost and Fire

In Frost and Fire, Lorelei explored themes of solstice and advent—seasons of stillness and waiting. The program featured Scott Ordway’s North Woods, world premiere arrangements of traditional tunes by Laura Jobin-Acosta, Greg Brown, and Jocelyn Hagen, and the winner of our 2025 call for scores: Eliza Bagg’s Whiteout. Medieval chant, early Renaissance polyphony, and American folk songs, hymnody, and contemporary works round out the evening.