The song opens with the haunting sound of the duduk, the ancient wind instrument native to Armenia. Then enters award Celtic award-winning producer and musician Michael Crittenden on piano. And finally the voice of Abigail Winzer.
The song is ethereal, drawing you out of yourself and out of the present time and place. “I wanted to create a meditative mood with the song and video that would allow listeners to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas during Advent,” says the vocalist.
Winzer is only 16, but has already performed on legendary stages such as the Grand Ole Opry and the Ford theatre. When you hear her clean soprano voice on her album “Rejoice,” you’ll understand why the young talent has already gained so much recognition and graced stages alongside the greats.
The North Carolina native began singing in her church choir, and when she was 15 she began voice lessons at the Boston Conservatory. The young singer has worked hard to hone her talent, but is quick to acknowledge that her gifts are God-given. Winzer shared with Cecilia:
“I believe that artistic talent is a gift from the Holy Spirit. I have been blessed to have received the gift of singing from the Holy Spirit and I am very thankful to God that I am able to express myself through music. My motivation to share my faith through my music stems from my deep love of the Catholic Church. I love the beauty of the Catholic Mass, the presence of Jesus Christ in the Priest that presides over the Mass, the mysteries, the symbols, the soul-stirring sacred music, the traditions, the charity and most of all the incredible fullness of spirit that one feels through the sacrament of the Eucharist all of which give me joy and a spiritual identity. I AM CATHOLIC…and I love it!”
Wanting to use her talents for God, Winzer was inspired her to make her first release a Christmas album. And more, she wanted to give back to her own community, giving a portion of the proceeds from her album to the music department at her Catholic high school.
Follow Abigail on Facebook and find her album “Rejoice” on iTunes.
Libby Reichert
And today we celebrate...