Soprano saxophonist Paul Winter’s Silver Solstice celebration takes the listener of a symbolic journey through the longest night of the year, incorporating theatrical musical effects that highlight the titanic space of New York’s Cathedral of St. John the Divine.  The centerpiece of the event is a giant rotating “Solstice Tree”-a 28 foot spiral aluminum sculpture hung with hundreds of bells, gongs, and chimes representing the diversity of life on Earth.  The climactic return of the sun is celebrated by the world’s largest tam-tam gong, seven feet in diameter, which slowly ascends, with its player, to the 100-food vault of the Cathedral.  Presented “in the round,” the Solstice Celebrations feature a stage in the middle of the Cathedral, with audience on both sides.  Two CD audio discs contain 32 songs including “Tomorrow Is My Dancing Day,” “Dawnwalker” with Davy Spillane, the instrumental “Harvest Faire,” the haunting “Solstice Tree” and “Solstice Chant.” Disc 2 has “Caravan at Dawn,” “The Lake,” “The Rain Is Over and Gone,” “Down in Belgorod,” “Silent Night” and “Song for the World.” The DVD disc is a visual presentation that adds additional pleasure to the already beautiful sounds created by the Paul Winter Consort & Friends.  A collection for all seasons!