Southeastern presents 87th Candlelighting event on Dec. 1

November 14, 2008

DURANT, Okla. -- Southeastern Oklahoma State University presents A Festive Christmas for Candlelighting 2008.

In keeping with tradition, Southeastern will mark the holiday season with the 87th Annual Candlelighting and Concert on Monday, December 1, at 7:30 p.m. The event will take place at Montgomery Auditorium in Morrison Hall on campus and is free and open to the public.

This year's concert will feature the Southeastern Symphonic Choir, Dr. Stacy Weger, conductor, presenting collections of traditional Christmas carols focusing on the festive nature of the season. Selections include Kirke Mecham's Seven Joys of Christmas for choir and harp, and Robert Shaw's Many Moods of Christmas Choral Suite among others.

Dr. Mary Ann Craige will serve as organist for this event, joining with Danielle Harmon, harpist. In recognition of Southeastern's Centennial Celebration, Dr. Walter Britt, former Director of Choral Activities at Southeastern , and leader of Candlelighting for 25 years, will conduct two numbers for this event. Britt will lead the Symphonic Choir in the singing of O Holy Night, the first choral work performed at Candlelighting at its inception, and Randall Thompson's Glory to God in the Highest. The Southeastern Brass Ensemble will join in for the traditional carol sing.

Cardinal Key and Blue Key Honor Societies will once again serve as acolytes in the candle lighting portion of the evening.

Although admission is free, tickets will need to be picked up from the Southeastern Oklahoma State University Department of Fine Arts Office, FAB 120. For more information, call 745-2088.