The Plymouth Music Series and the American Composers Forum have announced the winners in a Christmas carol competition. Robert Ross of Philadelphia PA and Jonathan Santore of Plymouth NH will each receive a cash prize of $1,000 and world premieres of their works at the Plymouth Music Series' annual "Welcome Christmas!" concerts on December 5.

Singer, choral conductor, and composer Robert Ross submitted a new setting of the text of "What Child is This?" for his winning carol. Originally he wrote the music as an anthem for his church's Christmas Eve service to replace the familiar "Greensleeves" melody. He adapted his new setting for the contest. Philip Brunelle says, " his new melody has an American folk-like quality that seems timeless."

Jonathan Santore, assistant professor of music theory and composition at Plymouth State College in New Hampshire, wrote both original words and music for his winning carol, "The Holy Christmas Night." He has been named New Hampshire Composer of the Year for 1999 by the New Hampshire music Teachers Association and has won several other composition awards. "Santore's setting is a gentle lullaby with a lilting melody that audiences will easily learn and remember," says Philip Brunelle.

This year's "Welcome Christmas!" concert will be recorded by Minnesota Public Radio for national broadcast via Public Radio International. Both winning composers plan to travel to Minnesota to be present for the premiere performance.