Lana Manson, a native of the Chicago area. She is a graduate of Fisk University having earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education. As well, Lana holds a Masters of Music Degree from Northwestern University and a Masters in Business Administration with a dual concentration from the University of Illinois- Chicago. She holds membership in pristine musical and business organizations such as the American Choral Directors Association, Illinois Music Educator’s Association, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (composer and publisher) and the National Black MBA Association. She is an executive officer for Manson Music Production and director of the publishing division. She is a noted clinician, song writer, and arranger having composed works for such artists as the Hawkins Family, the Soul Children of Chicago and Ricky Dillard and New ‘G’. She has taught music for more than fifteen years and, this year, has joined the Rich South High School staff as Director of Choral Music.
- Worthy (Intro)- The Beginning of Work that features Donald Alexander as narrator of the Word of God
- Worthy - Is the upbeat celebration of the Cantata that features the Voices Of Levi , declaring that Jesus Is Worthy Of Praise .
- Worthy (Reprise)
- Angel’s Serenade featuring Desmond Pringle and bassist, Michael Manson - The story continues with the angels proclamation to Joseph . Born to you a Savior , for I hear the angels sing .
- The City of Bethlehem (Intro)- The Proclamation of Bethlehem being the birthplace of Emmanuel ( God with us)
- The City of Bethlehem (Recitative)- As in all Oratorios the recitative ( a narrative song that describes story ) is sung rubato style with great emotion and feeling by the great Kim McFarland.
- The City of Bethlehem featuring Kim McFarland/- A child is born in the City Of Bethlehem , let's worship Him .
- Christ is Born featuring Kim McFarland - In the quasi classical style the Voices of Levi featuring Kim McFarland . He Is Born
- Gloria (Intro) As the story is told by the African drum. Tony Carpenter and Khari set the tone for the Proclamation the that the shepherds in the field heard from the angel of the Lord.
- Gloria- Fear not , Born to you this day the baby Jesus, and all the people and angels should say Glory to God , and Peace on Earth. Featuring solos by Michael Logan and Jason Tyson.;
- Mary and Joseph (We Hold A Miracle) (Intro)- How would you feel if you knew that the baby in your family is the Savior of the World , and has come to save the world from their sins. Mary and Joseph hold a miracle in their hands .
- Mary and Joseph (We Hold A Miracle) featuring Angela Martin and Desmond Pringle, co-writer: Andrea Woods Mells How would you feel if you knew that the baby in your family is the Savior of the World , and has come to save the world from their sins. Mary and Joseph hold a miracle in their hands .
- Wise Men Still Seek Him (Intro)
- Wise Men Still Seek Him featuring Caszelle “The Story Teller” James, co-writer Caszelle James , If you want to be wise , open up your eyes to the light , it will lead you to the Savior. As the wise men brought gifts to the baby Jesus. They were immediately changed and left another way . This is the hip hop song of the Oratorio.
- Greatest Gift of All featuring Lana Manson - The Greatest gift is not underneath a tree . For Jesus is the best gift we could ever desire is Him .
- Making Room for the King (Intro)
- Making Room for the King featuring Annette “Queenie” Lennox . In distinct traditional gospel style , As you prepare for everything else this Christmas , Make room for the KING - Featuring Gerey Johnson ( guitar ) and Chris Forman ( Organ )
- Making Room for the King (Reprise)
- Oh Lord, We Worship You featuring Kim McFarland, Desmond Pringle, Angela Martin - To close the Cantata, We Worship the King of KIngs and Lord of Lords. We love you and Adore you Amen.
Executive Producers
Lana and Michael Manson for Manson Music Production, St. James Church
Publisher Lan-Man Music Publications, (ASCAP) Copyright 2008
St. James Church: 9256 S. Lafayette Ave., Chicago, IL 60620
www.stjamesame.net