Sara Kochanski, senior vocal performance major, sings with the WSU Concert Choir.
(Photo courtesy of WSU)
PULLMAN, Wash. – Carols in traditional styles and with new twists will ring in the season as the Washington State University School of Music presents its public Holiday Concert at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, in Bryan Hall Theatre on the Pullman campus. The concert will feature the Madrigal Chamber Singers, University Singers, Concert Choir and Symphony Orchestra.
Tickets will be on sale at the door beginning one hour before the concert. Prices are $10 general admission, $5 students and senior citizens, and free for children 12 and under.
The Renaissance-costumed Madrigal Chamber Singers, conducted by Lori Wiest, will open with music from the 16th century. The joyful “Gaudete” will be followed by “E la don don, Verges Maria” by an anonymous Spanish composer. Next will be Thomas Morley’s “You that wont to my pipes sound” (also known as “Lirum lirum),” in the traditional madrigal style. The lovely “Es ist ein’ Ros’ entsprungen,” set by Praetorius, and the traditional arrangement of “We Wish You A Merry Christmas” will conclude the set.
The University Singers, directed by Dean Luethi, will present two selections. Stephen Paulus’ “Snow Had Fallen; Christ Was Born” uses text painting and sudden tonal shifts to create a unique picture of the night Christ was born. Nick Wilson, assistant conductor of the University Singers, will lead the rousing English carol “Yorkshire Wassail,” arranged by Paul Brandvik and accompanied by brass.
The Concert Choir, conducted by Wiest, will present a double choir setting of the text “O Admirabile Commercium,” set by Jacob Handl in the late 16th century. Michael Harrison’s new arrangement of “I Saw Three Ships” will follow, offering a metrically intriguing version of the traditional song. Alice Parker’s and Robert Shaw’s “Deck the Hall” will be conducted by Kayla Johnson, graduate teaching assistant. Concluding this choir’s performance will be “Ding Dong Merrily on High,” arranged by Howard Helvey and featuring two pianists.
The WSU Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Matthew Aubin, will present a repeat performance of Schubert’s “Unfinished Symphony.” The orchestra and choirs will combine for a grand finale of Robert Wendel’s “Evergreen Christmas,” a medley of traditional carols.