November 20, 2009
Christmas at Augustana plans two shows
Christmas at Augustana, a holiday concert featuring choir, band and orchestra ensembles, will return to Centennial Hall in early December with an expanded schedule.
Augustana student musicians and vocalists will perform at 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 4, and at 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5. The music department added another concert this year after the ensembles played to a sold-out crowd at last year's inaugural concert. Tickets are available online.
The concerts are truly an "Advent of the advent season," says Dr. Daniel Culver, orchestra director and department co-chair. "I look forward to working again with all of my colleagues in an ensemble effort. It is a marvelous opportunity for our students and audience alike. In the development of the program, we focused on bringing a sense of unity to the program and how it works with each ensemble."
Audience members will experience a true celebration of Christmas with performances by seven ensembles, including the Symphony Orchestra, Brass Ensemble, Augustana Choir, Jenny Lind Vocal Ensemble, Ascension Singers, Wennerberg Men's Chorus and Cantilena Augustana, and the world premiere of "Veni Emmanuel (Come Emmanuel)" arranged by Augustana music faculty member Dr. David Davies.
Dr. Jon Hurty, director of choral activities and department co-chair, says the opportunity to commission a new work is an added learning experience. "This adds an entirely new creative element to the program and exposes the students to great music that was written specifically for the occasion," says Hurty.
"Bring your best singing voice," reminds Culver. The concerts also feature several well-known congregational hymns for a sing-along during the program.
Centennial Hall is at 3703 7th Ave., Rock Island.
Keri Rursch
Director of Public Relations
(309) 794-7721
kerirursch@augustana.edu
