ORLANDO SINGS

“In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.”
—Albert Camus

Welcome to A Solaria Solstice.

On the longest night of the year, we gather not to escape the darkness, but to honor it—to pause, to listen, and to notice the light that has always found its way back. Across cultures and centuries, the solstice has marked a turning point: a moment when ancient wisdom reminds us that even in stillness, something is stirring.

This evening’s music reflects that arc. Drawing from Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and secular reflections, the Solaria Singers offer a tapestry of voices and traditions that speak to our shared humanity. Each piece is an opportunity for delight, remembrance, and the honoring of our differences—an acknowledgment that while our stories may differ, our longing for meaning, connection, and renewal is profoundly the same.

Solaria exists to make space for this kind of deep listening. As Orlando’s own professional choir, these local artists bring heart and expression to every phrase, but what moves me most is their generosity of spirit: pouring themselves into the music for you and for one another—not for their own sake, but to create beauty meant to be shared. In a world that often urges us to rush past reflection, choral music asks something different—it asks us to breathe together, to listen deeply, and to be present.

Thank you for choosing to spend this evening with us. May this music offer you warmth, wonder, and a quiet reminder that light—however distant—always returns.

With Hope and Gratitude,
Andrew Minear, D.M.A.
Artistic & Executive Director, Orlando Sings