University Chorus presents Christmas concert

Submitted by Marmian Grimes
Phone: (907) 474-7902
11/23/05

The University of Alaska Fairbanks University Chorus will present its Christmas concert under the direction of Jaunelle Celaire on Saturday, Dec. 10, at 8 p.m. in the Charles W. Davis Concert Hall.

This concert will feature a debut/premiere performance of "Magnificat." James Michael Bicigo, professor of low brass, composed the piece for the University Chorus. The choir will also present Schubert’s Mass in G featuring soloists Valeria Lari, Chris Meerdink and Darren Watts.

The University Chorus received an exclusive invitation this fall to participate in a Concert Residence Program at Carnegie Hall in New York City. The choir is scheduled to sing Faure’s "Requiem" on April 22, 2006. The choir will also have another opportunity to display the talent, skills and abilities of its UAF students and Fairbanks community members in a second free concert at Central Baptist Church in New York.

The University Chorus, formed more than 60 years ago, is one of the oldest musical organizations in Alaska and is open to both students and Fairbanks-area residents. Its major concerts occur annually during April. The University Chorus has participated in concerts with the Fairbanks Symphony including performances of "Carmina Burana" by Carl Orff, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, Handel’s "Messiah" and Haydn’s "Creation," and have sung with the Fairbanks Community Band and in traditional Christmas concerts with the U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific.

Tickets are available in the UAF music department and at the door. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for students, military and senior citizens. Children under 12 are admitted free. The chorus will also be selling raffle tickets at the event to raise money for its trip to New York to sing at Carnegie Hall. The drawing will be held Dec. 18. The top prize is two tickets on Alaska Airlines. Tickets are $5 apiece or $20 for 5.

CONTACT: UAF music department at (907) 474-7555 or (907) 474-5291. UAF Public Information Officer Marmian Grimes at (907) 474-7902 or via e-mail at marmian.grimes@uaf.edu.

On the Web: www.uaf.edu/music/department