Yes, Virginia! (There is a Santa Claus)

Duration: 00:08:30

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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