The Feast

Golden Gate Boys Choir and Bellringers Old English Christmas Feast
What is it?              Dinner, Concert and Silent Auction
When is it?             Sunday, Dec. 19, 2010 4-9 PM
Where is it?           Mark Hopkins Hotel, San Francisco
How much is it?  $135 per person
Reservations and information:  Contact the GGBC office: (510) 887-4311
Click to view invitation

[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]

The Old English Christmas Feast was once dubbed “San Francisco’s Finest Christmas Party” by someone who should know – the remark is attributed to the Consul General of Great Britain in San Francisco, who attended the same FEAST program as performed by the Golden Gate Boys Choir annually for the past 20 years.

Our director, Steven Meyer, has a number of letters from the “founder of the FEAST”, our director emeritus, Dr. William Ballard, describing the how and the why of the first FEAST. Dr. Ballard wrote that he had collected information from a number of university and community chorus directors who staged “madrigal dinners” to entertain audiences and raise funds for their organizations. He and Mrs. Ballard searched for appropriate songs, readings and “clip art.” The goal was to design and produce a Christmas madrigal dinner, that would become a choir tradition, a source of fundraising for the organization, and something of which that the choir and city could be proud.

While some find the FEAST a bit long in duration, many more look forward to their “favorite” part of the ritual: the gong that sets the drama in action, the trumpet fanfares, or the toasting to “Wassail! Drink Hael!” For others, the five course meal, the audience carol, or the singing of that famous recipe, “Fruitcake.” As one of the readings asserts, a FEAST must be unhurried, for to merely eat is human, but to FEAST is – divine!

The Mark Hopkins Hotel has proven to be the location most well suited to the event – a Forefeast with handbell and instrumental entertainment in the Room of the Don’s, with a transfer of guests and performers to the Peacock Court to continue with the meal, the program, the processions and the holiday spirit. With the auspicious address of Number One Nob Hill, we are privileged to be able to present the GGBC Old English Christmas Feast at the Mark Hopkins in San Francisco.

This year, the choir is pleased to have as the Honorary Chair the Most Reverend James Provence, the Archbishop of the Anglican Province of Christ the King. (The Saint Peter’s Church in Oakland where GGBC holds it’s music library, bell rehearsals and Crab Feed is the pro cathedral for this diocese). Some years ago, we needed a place in which to receive and host a visiting boy choir. We were cordially welcomed to Saint Thomas Episcopal Church in San Francisco, whose rector was Father James Provence! We look forward to the address of Archbishop Provence at the FEAST, which will be insightful: he was a choir boy a few years back.

The FEAST invitation will detail the information many desire: the menu options, exact times, addresses, contact information. If you do not regularly receive a FEAST “save the date” postcard, and wish an invitation, by all means, call or email the GGBC and request one! Phone (510) 887-4311 or email GGBCBR@aol.com.

Alumni and alumni parents: we can see each year how you enjoy seeing each other again, and hope you will continue to support the FEAST with your participation and presence. If you have skipped a few years now, it is time to come back! Those who attend the FEAST are as responsible for its coming to be each year as the singers and bellringers, a team effort!

We want you to be able to attend!

Sunday, December 19th, 2010. Mark Hopkins Hotel, San Francisco. The Old English Christmas FEAST. Looking forward to seeing YOU there!