The Department of Music at Southeastern Oklahoma State University will present the 101st Annual Candlelighting Concert on Monday, December 6, at 7:30 p.m. in Montgomery Auditorium on the Durant campus.
The event is particularly special this year, as the previous year’s 100th anniversary was virtual.
“We’ve really been looking forward to this,” said Dr. Pat Antinone, Professor of Choral Music Education and conductor of the Symphonic Chorus. “There’s just nothing like a live audience.”
Multiple ensembles will perform this year, including the Symphonic Chorus, the Southeastern Chorale, the SE Wind Ensemble, the SHARE Children’s Chorus, and a faculty string quartet.
This year’s theme, “My Spirit Rejoices,” is a quote from the Biblical “Magnificat” text, in which Mary accepts the news from the angel. The combined choirs will perform a full “Magnificat’’ by Antonio Vivaldi, accompanied by string quartet, and the various ensembles will also present other smaller works focusing on Mary’s story.
“This is a beautiful tradition for Durant and Southeastern,” said Dr. Abby Musgrove, Director of Choral Activities and conductor of the Southeastern Chorale. “We’re proud to be the start of many folks’ holiday celebrations.”
The event is free and open to the public.
