Local historian discovers ancient Christmas music, Chicago concerts to feature 16th-century songs.

CHICAGO (WLS) — A local historian recently found old sheet music, providing an opportunity to hear what 16th century Christmas music sounded like.

ABC7 was with some musicians who played a few chords on Wednesday.

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Many centuries ago, popular Christmas music that had not been played for hundreds of years was rediscovered. The sheet music, which was considered sacred, had been stored in chests in Guatemala before being sold to Indiana University. It was there that Paul Feller-Simmons, a doctoral student at Northwestern, stumbled upon it.

“I don’t think they knew what they were buying exactly,” Feller-Simons said.

As a language expert, Feller-Simmons identified the music as Christmas music from the 16th century. With the assistance of several colleagues, he worked on reviving the music.

Now, musicians from the Newberry Consort are set to perform this music in concerts taking place this weekend. This will mark the first time in centuries that many of these pieces will be heard by modern audiences.

“It’s really an exciting opportunity to be the first to bring a piece to life,” Newberry Consort Artistic Director Liza Malamut said.

When it was written, it was considered Christmas party music. It’s virtually impossible to determine who originally wrote it.

Most of the vocals are in Spanish. The lyrics reference the nativity.

“We would love the audience to experience a pilgrimage, where you’re going from region to region and through time,” Malamut said.

The group plans to play five pieces from the Guatamalan Collection in concert.

Feller-Simmons said he believes the music is as relevant to the spirit of Christmas now as it was when it was written. While the Newberry consort gets the first crack at it, eventually he hopes others will play the music, particularly in the Latino culture where it comes from.

“My approach to this music… make it relevant for today,” Feller-Simmons said.

The group will perform the concert three times, in Buena Park, Evanston and Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood, and each concert includes an hour lecture before the music begins.

More information about tickets can be found here.