Friday, December 14, 2012

Music kicks off Christmas in weekend of holiday concerts


By Regina Barbosa
News Editor

The Music Department at Saint Mary’s University celebrated the Christmas season with holiday concerts on Dec. 6-9.

The SMU Jazz Ensemble performed at the Page Theatre on Dec. 6, led by the new Director of Jazz Studies Eric Heukeshoven. Featured vocalist Jessica Ingvalson showed her skills in “Georgia on my Mind” and “When Sunny Gets Blue.” The ensemble highlighted their improvisation with the songs “Take Five” and “Fly Me to the Moon.” Joining the jazz ensemble was the world drum ensemble on Dean Sorenson’s “Carneval del Sol.”

On Dec. 7, the choirs performed “Lessons and Carols” at the Chapel of Saint Mary’s of the Angels. In this Christmas service directed by Dr. Patrick O’Shea, the choir and audience sang Christmas hymns together and Bible readings were read between hymns.

The Saint Mary’s Band played a winter concert on the afternoon of Dec. 9 in the Page Theatre. The program onducted by Janet Heukeshoven included: “Fanfare & Flourishes” by James Curnow, “Symphonic Suite” by Clifton Williams, “Canterbury Chorale” by Jan Van der Roost, “Inglesina – the Little English Girl” by Davide Delle Cese, “Ireland: Of Legend and Lore” by Robert W. Smith and “A Christmas Festival” by Leroy Anderson. The band followed their performance with Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride” as an encore piece. Then, they hosted a Christmas party in the lobby. Smaller ensembles performed Christmas music during the gathering, and holiday cookies were served.

In the evening of Dec. 9, the Chamber Orchestra put on their “Sounds of Christmas” concert in the Figliulo Recital Hall. New director Dr. David Leung conducted “Christmas Concerto” by Corelli, “Winter” by Vivaldi, “O Magnum Mysterium” by Lauridsen, “Sleigh Ride” by Mozart and “Farewell” symphony by Haydn. Between the pieces, special guest Dr. Kyle Black, a professor from the Modern and Classical Languages Department, recited sonnets in various languages.

No comments: