Community

Musical weekend at Southminster Church

The University of Lethbridge's Faculty of Fine Arts is gearing up for the Christmas season with a pair of musical events this weekend that promise to please any crowd.

The air at Southminster Church is sure to stir with music during Wind and Song, Friday, Nov. 27 at 8 p.m., the University Wind Orchestra's first performance of the season.

"Vox Musica is joining us on stage for three selections," says Glenn Klassen, music director for Vox Musica and the University Wind Orchestra.
"We are performing Dry Your Tears Afrika and Hymn to the Fallen by John Williams and a classic choral arrangement of Salvation is Created by Tschesnokoff."

With its almost 100 voices, Vox Musica choir consists of community singers and University students.

Other selections on the program include Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliette and Gordon Jacob's arrangement of William Byrd Suite.

"William Byrd Suite, as arranged by Jacobs, is a magnificent piece going back 400 years, but recomposed for wind orchestra, transforming it into a bigger, more colourful work," says Klassen.

Tickets for Wind and Song are available at the University Box Office (403-329-2616) and at the door.

The U of L Singers and U of L Women's Chorus then share the stage for Season of Joy on Saturday, Nov. 28 at 8 p.m. at Southminster United Church. The evening features a rich program of choral repertoire from traditional works to familiar seasonal classics.

"With this concert the U of L Singers take a different direction this year," says Dr. Janet Youngdahl, the ensemble's director. "Sharing this concert with another group is a good change for the choirs and showcases our wonderful choral areas of study at the University."

The U of L Women's Chorus is the newest addition to the choral program.

"We have a great bunch of students – both music majors and non-music majors," says Joanne Collier, director. "Women's Chorus is the next big thing on the choral circuit. The U of L Women's Chorus presents some of the exciting emerging repertoire for women."

Audiences can expect a robust selection of music for Season of Joy.

"The U of L Singers perform Imant Raminsh's Magnificat, an exuberant and challenging work for choir," Youngdahl says. "We'll also perform Regina Coreli by Mozart featuring soloists drawn from the choir."

The second part of the concert features seasonal classics and favourites as both choirs take to the stage together.

Combined or separate, these choirs are sure to delight audiences; sharing their song and the joy of the holiday season.

Tickets are $15 regular and $10 for students and seniors, and are available at the U of L Box Office (403-329-2616) or at the door on the night of the concert.