New work featured in 'Christmas Around the World'

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - Stephen F. Austin State University School of Music's A Cappella Choir, the Choral Union and Women's Chorus, along with the Orchestra of the Pines, will present "Christmas Around the World" at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7, in W.M. Turner Auditorium in the Griffith Fine Arts Building on the SFA campus.

The program will feature a new work by Christopher Rouse entitled "Karolju," according to Tim King, director of choral activities at SFA.

"Originally commissioned by the Baltimore Symphony, 'Karolju' is a work of nine carols for choir and orchestra ranging (in origin) from France to the Czech Republic, from Sweden to Italy, and beyond," King said.

In addition to the combined efforts of all three choirs and Orchestra of the Pines for "Karolju," each choir will perform individually. Abilene graduate student Brandon Pierce, violin, and Houston graduate student Susanna Campbell, harp, will perform the beautifully lyrical "Ava Maria" by Franz Schubert. PJ Lopez, SFA senior from Dallas, will sing with the orchestra the holiday favorite "Gesu Bambino."

"Of course, we will have the traditional audience sing-along of favorite Christmas carols," King said. "It will be a most entertaining and enjoyable evening setting everyone in the Christmas spirit."

In addition, greeting the concert goers will be pre-concert singing by the SFA Madrigal Singers in the lobby of Turner Auditorium and holiday music by the Robert Palmero jazz trio.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $5 for students. For tickets or more information, visit www.finearts.sfasu.edu or call (936) 468-6407.