Concert Notes

On December 6, 2006, Tajci performed in front of an audience made up mostly of Croatian-born immigrants at Chicago's St. Jerome's Church.

The result was one of the most remarkable performances of her career.

To view this concert is to open yourself up to the full range of emotions the holiday season can bring. This is a true celebration of Christmas--
with laughter, joy, sorrow, hope, tears, family...
and faith.

Musically, Tacji draws from an almost unbelievable range of influences, not just from across the globe, but from across the centuries of human history.

Tajci takes us on a musical sleigh ride that conjures images that vary from a vast gothic cathedral for a gregorian chant...
...to a trip to the local mall where a young woman searches for the true spirit of Christmas among the chores of the busy season...
...and from the steps of her childhood schoolhouse in communist Yugoslavia...
...to the back streets of old Bethlehem.

Along the way, Tajci uses one of the most beautiful voices on the planet to carry us from the whispered introspection of "Breath of Heaven" to the soaring heights of her own "Magnificat", and then to the achingly-soulful performance of her show-stopping rendition of "Silent Night".

Along the way, Tajci's talent for singing in the languages of the world is also on display as she slips in and out of a half-dozen different dialects.

With Tajci on keyboard-- backed by electronic instrumentalist Denny Bouchard, cellist Janel Leppin, percussionist Ruben Alvarez and a backing group of singers-- the music is breathtakingly rendered. The sheer skill of the musicians is a true joy to experience.

It is obvious from the opening notes that these very original arrangements have been painstakingly honed to produce what is a near magical effect on the listener.

This is not a typical Christmas Special. For Tajci, the Christmas experience is steeped in mystery and resonates with emotion.

For someone of faith, the season of Christmas is a path to the very origins of their beliefs. Viewing this concert is a wonderful way to embark on that journey.

by Jack Gorton