Yes, Virginia! (There is a Santa Claus)

Duration: 00:08:30 ▶ LISTEN HERE Program Note: In 1897, eight-year-old Virginia O'Hanlon wrote a letter to the editors of The New York Sun to inquire about the existence of Santa Claus. Francis Pharcellus Church, an editor at the paper, received her letter - and even though his personal beliefs on the topic differed - he penned a response filled with such warmth, optimism and love. "Is There A Santa Claus?" has become Christmas and holiday folklore that has brought joy to millions of people. It is also one of the most reprinted editorials in the English language. I hope that the music I have composed, to accompany this prose, delivers the same sense of magical wonderment that this letter has brought me for so many years. -Vincent Oppido October 1, 2021 Los Angeles, CA 🔍 PERUSAL SCORE Instrumentation: 2 Flutes Piccolo Oboe English Horn 2 Clarinets in Bb Bb Bass Clarinet 2 Bassoons 4 Horns in F 3 Trumpets in Bb 3 Trombones Tuba Timpani Mallet Percussion: Glockenspiel, Vibraphone, Chimes Percussion: Sleigh Bells, Suspended Cymbal, Triangle, Mark Tree, Bell Tree Narration (Optional): 2 Speakers: Child & Adult Harp Synth Celeste (or Acoustic Celeste) Strings