Southeastern to present Candlelighting program Dec. 6

Press Release Date: 11-29-2010

DURANT, Okla. – In keeping with tradition, Southeastern Oklahoma State University will mark the holiday season with its 89th annual Candlelighting and Concert, on Monday, Dec. 6, at 7:30 p.m.

The event will take place in Montgomery Auditorium on campus and is free and open to the public.

This year’s A Baroque Christmas will feature the Southeastern Symphonic Choir, Dr. Stacy Weger, conductor, presenting major works from the vast repertoire of baroque Christmas music. The music of this era is noteworthy for its florid and descriptive content, and has become a staple of Christmas celebrations worldwide. The centerpiece of the concert will be a performance of Antonio Vivaldi’s Gloria, long considered a Christmas standard. Other works include Johann Sebastian Bach’s Cantata 61, Nun Komm der Heiden Heiland, and Magnificat, often attributed to Buxtehude. All works will be accompanied by a chamber string ensemble, with additional instruments for the Gloria. Soloists for this event include Dr. Aaron Adair, Jocelyn Batts, Jeremy Blackwood, Cheri Conway, Dr. Steven Emge, and Sarah Griffiths. Dr. Mary Ann Craige has served as rehearsal accompanist for this group.

The concert will once again include the audience singing of traditional Christmas carols focusing on the festive nature of the season. 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 candlelighting portion of the evening.

The traditional Candlelighting event is designed to reflect the festive nature of the season, and serves as a great way to start holiday celebrations. We invite you to share the music of the season with us. For more information please contact the Southeastern Oklahoma State University Department of Music at 745-2088. This event is made possible through a grant from the Southeastern Oklahoma State University Cultural and Scholastic Lectureship Fund.