School of Music to host 27th annual 'Classic Christmas' performance
Dr. Jonathan Rodgers conducts “A Classic Christmas” in 2015.
Photo courtesy of Lee University Public Relations Office
Lee’s 27th annual “A Classic Christmas” concert will be presented by the School of Music on Sunday, Dec. 4 at 3 p.m. in the Conn Center.
The free event will feature Lee’s Choral Union, Chorale, Handbell Choir, Symphony Orchestra and Brass Choir. A “special surprise” will feature student soloists, according to a press release.
The Chattanooga Girls choir, a local ensemble consisting of roughly 150 school-aged students, will also be conducted by Associate Professor of Music Education LuAnn Holden.
This is sophomore first violin player Kristi Edwards’ second year playing for the Christmas showcase.
“I’m most excited for playing along with Choral Union,” Edwards said. “Being able to play alongside a large and talented choir is a very rare opportunity. I love the collaboration and the energy it brings to the stage.”
Edwards’ favorite aspect of the event is playing Christmas carols for the audience.
“I'm most excited to play the carols like ‘Hark the Herald’ and ‘Silent Night’,” Edwards said. “I love thinking about the words when we play. The music is beautiful, but the words hold so much truth in them.”
The music selections will include holiday favorites and carol sing-alongs of ‘O Come, All Ye Faithful’ and ‘Hark! The Herald Angels Sing’. G.F Handel’s ‘Messiah’ will be performed by the Choral Union and Dr. Lenena Brezna will be serving as the soprano soloist for the piece.
“I'm most excited to just play music with my peers,” sophomore oboe player Danae Bromley said. “It's always so fun when the orchestra gets to play with the choir, and to watch it all come together.”
Dr. Jonathan Rodgers, the assistant professor of choral music, said he hopes to see Lee students, faculty and members from the surrounding community attend the event and enjoy the Christmas music.
“Featuring a wide variety of music for the Christmas holidays, the program is sure to lift the hearts and spirits of all in attendance,” Rodgers said. “Whether listening to selections from Handel's ‘Messiah,’ singing Christmas carols together, or hearing the Luke 2 Christmas story, there is something for everyone.”
Rodgers also encourages attendees to arrive early because of “a surprise, less-traditional opening,” according to the release.
The event is free and open to the public. Tickets are required and can be reserved at the Dixon Center Box Office, Monday-Friday 3-6 p.m. or by phone at 423-614-8343.
