College Celebrates Festival of Christmas

HUNTINGTON, IN -- Huntington College will present its annual Festival of Christmas on December 14 and 15 at 7:30 p.m. in the Merillat Centre for the Arts. The grand celebration of the holy season will feature performances by the College's most talented musicians.

Due to the enthusiastic response from the Huntington community to last year's Festival of Christmas, the College has scheduled two performances this year. The concerts are free, open to the public, and designed for the entire family. Seating is limited and audiences are encouraged to arrive early.

Musicum Collegium will perform in the Merillat Centre lobby at 7:05 p.m. immediately preceding the Festival. The madrigal troupe plans a "special moment" with all children present.

The main Festival concert will feature performances by HC Wind Ensemble, Concert Choir, and Cantorei.

The Wind Ensemble, directed by Dr. Marlene Schleiffer, will present the prelude, "Troika" by serge Prokofieff; "I Wonder as I Wander" arranged by R. W. Smith; and "A Christmas Festival" arranged by John Cacavas.

HC senior John Richard has created new arrangements of familiar carols such as "Away in the Manger," "Angels We Have Heard On High," and "Joy to the World." The audience will be invited to sing along with the Wind Ensemble.

Cantorei, a women's chorus directed by Carrie Donahue, will sing selections such as "Do You Hear What I Hear," "Sing Alleluia" and "Winter Carol." The new ensemble was organized this fall as record enrollment at Huntington College created a dramatic influx of students interested in the music program.

The Concert Choir, directed by Dr. David Wallis, will present a variety of pieces including Ukrainian and Austrian carols along with American spirituals. Featured works include "Carol of the Bells," "As Lately We Watched," and "Mary Had a Baby."

Student soloists will included Andy Brandon of Fremont, Ohio; Nancy Stewart of Granger, Indiana; Marvin McNew of Huntington, Indiana; Amy Branson of Hillsdale, Michigan; and Jason Holiday of Northwood, Ohio.

"You will not want to miss this special time on our campus to brighten your holidays and put you in the true spirit of Christmas," says Wallis.

For further information, contact the Huntington College Department of Music at (260) 356-6000, extension 2062.