The Waynesburg University Music Program will host its annual Christmas Concert Saturday, Dec. 8. The 7:30 p.m. concert will be held in Roberts Chapel. Admission is free, and the public is cordially invited to attend.
The concert will feature both the University’s Lamplighters Concert Choir, under the direction of Melania Catana, assistant professor of vocal music, and the Symphonic Band, under the direction of Dr. Ronda DePriest, professor of instrumental music and director of the Music Program.
“The Lamplighters Concert Choir and Touring Choir will combine together to present a festive array of Advent and Christmas choral music,” said Catana.
The two choirs will present classics, such as “O Come All Ye Faithful” and “Silent Night,” as well as a newer, contemporary piece by Eric Whitacre called “Glow” and a fresh arrangement of “Still, Still, Still” by Matthew Culloton.
Some of the repertoire will feature two additional Waynesburg students – Joshua Hughes on cello and Payne Wissler on violin. The choirs will be accompanied by Dr. Sora Lee.
“The instrumental portion of the concert will ‘surround’ you with your holiday favorites as the Waynesburg University Symphonic Band presents a Robert W. Smith holiday favorite, “Christmas in the Round,’” said DePriest.
Additionally, the band will continue its celebration of the 100th anniversary of Leonard Bernstein’s birth with “Make Our Garden Grow” from Candide and the 200th anniversary of Charles Gounod’s birth with his rendition of “Ave Maria.”
Other works will feature faculty members Zachary Mathes on xylophone and Edward L. Powers, professor of theatre, narrating “The Night Before Christmas.”
For more information, contact DePriest at rdepries@waynesburg.edu or call 724-852-3420.
Additional Performance
The Lamplighters will join the choir at the Church of the Covenant in Washington for a presentation of “A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols” at the 11 a.m. service Sunday, Dec. 2.
