A Christmas Carol is Skylark Vocal Ensemble’s imaginative choral-narrative retelling of Charles Dickens’s beloved 1843 story. Artistic Director Matthew Guard curates an abridged version of the original text, brought to life through narration and a newly composed, fully integrated score by Benedict Sheehan. The result is a “story score” that merges spoken word, original choral writing, and familiar traditional carols into a unified dramatic arc—an innovative approach that transforms the classic tale into a deeply musical experience.

Listeners are guided through Scrooge’s journey by a narrator whose storytelling is interwoven with Skylark’s expressive vocal writing, creating a cinematic atmosphere that moves from the mysterious chill of winter to the warmth and jubilation of redemption. The ensemble’s luminous choral textures, paired with Sheehan’s evocative musical language, amplify the emotional sweep of the narrative and offer both the intimacy of a Christmas carol service and the scale of a theatrical production. A Christmas Carol stands as a distinctive, immersive holiday album that blends tradition with contemporary artistry.

Skylark Vocal Ensemble
Matthew Guard – artistic director
Benedict Sheehan – scoring