SFA College of Fine Arts offers holiday entertainment

Moscow Ballet's "Great Russian Nutcracker" will be presented by the SFA College of Fine Arts Thursday, Dec. 17, and Friday, Dec. 18, in W.M. Turner Auditorium. Tickets are currently on sale for all of the holiday events offered by the college in December.

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - Moscow Ballet's "Great Russian Nutcracker" and the Original Cast's "Christmas at the Movies" top the list of holiday events offered by the Stephen F. Austin State University College of Fine Arts Thursday, Dec. 3, through Friday, Dec. 18.

The first holiday performance of an SFA group will be the "Percussion in the Pines" concert at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, in Cole Concert Hall. During this popular annual event, the SFA Percussion Ensemble and Steel Band will perform "holiday songs with a percussive twist," said Scott Harris, SFA director of percussion studies.

Concert attendees are invited to contribute to the toy drive sponsored by the SFA Percussion Department and Phi Boota Roota.

As part of the Nine Flags Festival, SFA's Original Cast will present four performances of "Christmas at the Movies," a musical revue of holiday songs and scenes from Hollywood films. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4; 2 and 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6; in W.M. Turner Auditorium on the SFA campus.

"This year we are moving the shows from downtown to Turner Auditorium to accommodate larger crowds," said Alan Nielsen, SFA professor of theatre and the group's director. "And with Turner's stage facilities, we can also expand the scope of the show."

In the same location on Friday, Dec.11, the SFA combined choirs, faculty soloists, and Orchestra of the Pines will join with Nacogdoches and Lufkin High School choirs and a 20-member children's choir to present Ralph Vaughan Williams' Christmas cantata "Hodie," which means "This Day."

"This truly great masterwork of the 20th century faithfully follows the Christmas story with texts of great poets such as Martin Luther, George Herbert, John Milton and William Drummond," said Tim King, SFA director of choral activities. "We are proud to share this powerful and moving work with East Texas."

As an Encore Event to the 2009-2010 University Series, the College of Fine Arts will present Moscow Ballet's "Great Russian Nutcracker" at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17, and Friday, Dec. 18.

"Tchaikovsky's ballet has become a beloved Christmas tradition for the entire family," said John W. Goodall, associate dean of the college. "We are excited to once again have the renowned Moscow Ballet troupe in Nacogdoches to share the beautiful story, dance and music."

"When Moscow Ballet was last here, we sold out both performances, and so we are offering two performances again this year," said Diane Flynn, Box Office manager. "I encourage people to call now to order their tickets."

For tickets to or more information about any of the holiday events, visit www.finearts.sfasu.edu or call the Fine Arts Box Office at (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS. Tickets to "Christmas at the Movies" are also available through the Nacogdoches Convention and Visitors Bureau at 200 E. Main or by calling (936) 564-7351.