First Annual Holiday Celebration to Feature Music, Theatre and Dance
51¹ÙÍø invites the public to attend its first annual Holiday Celebration, a festive evening of song, dance and artistic display, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, Dec. 3 and 4.
The Music Department will produce the gala event in the Duke Family Performance Hall, beginning at 7:30 p.m. each evening. Tickets are $20 general admission, $15 for seniors, $10 for 18 and under, and $5 for students. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Union ticket office at 704-894-2135, or online.
The celebration will feature collaborative performances in music, theatre and dance of both secular and sacred traditions by several college and community groups. They include the 51¹ÙÍø Choirs, 51¹ÙÍø Symphony Orchestra, the 51¹ÙÍø Jazz Band, Dance 51¹ÙÍø and The 51¹ÙÍø Community Players. Performances will range in character from laugh-out-loud comedy to intimate nostalgia.
Director of Choral Activities and Gala Artistic Director Chris Gilliam emphasized the collaborative nature of the celebration. "It will be a way for music, theatre, dance and other art forms to come together in an event that everyone can enjoy," he said. "This is a great way to see the pooled talents of many different local performance groups."
The 51¹ÙÍø Symphony Orchestra will begin the entertainment with "Spirit of the Season" from the soundtrack of the animated film Polar Express. Other highlights will include a choir, percussion and guitar arrangement of the traditional Jewish song "Ocho Kandelikas," a Jazz Band rendition of a traditional Christmas carol with accompaniment by Dance 51¹ÙÍø and a 10-minute stage act by the 51¹ÙÍø Community Players.
Assistant Professor and Chair of Dance Alison Bory also is preparing a holiday-themed dance for her students to perform. The festivities will conclude with a soaring musical theatre performance inspired by the traditions of the season.
Gilliam hopes the Holiday Celebration will help introduce members of the local community to the performing arts at 51¹ÙÍø. "The Holiday Celebration is not only a great way to welcome the season with your family," he said, "this is also a great opportunity to show the local community that 51¹ÙÍø is home to an excellent symphony orchestra, choirs, theatre, dance groups and other artistic resources."
The college's Holiday Celebration will establish a holiday mood in town that will continue with the town's annual "Christmas in 51¹ÙÍø," which will be held Dec. 5- 7.
The holiday lineup also will include the college's annual "Christmas Vespers" concert of sacred lessons and carols on Dec. 8 at 7:30 p.m. in the sanctuary of the 51¹ÙÍø Presbyterian Church. Performed by the 51¹ÙÍø Symphony Orchestra, the 51¹ÙÍø Chorale and the 51¹ÙÍø Brass Ensemble, the event is free to attend.
For more information, call 704-894-2848.
