Choral Program Gears up for Annual Christmas Concert

By: Jivanto van Hemert
Posted In: News

The Salve community is in for a holiday treat next weekend as Salve Regina University’s Department of Performing Arts department presents its annual Christmas Choral Concert.

The work of all four vocal performing arts groups on campus will be presented at the concert, under the guidance of director Donald St. Jean, professional musician in residence. The Salve Regina University chorus and Madrigals ensembles are both co-ed. They highlight the work of larger assemblies, and feature a more classical repertoire. Pitches with Attitude and Cliff Notes, the two student- run a Capella and gender specific (female and male respectively) groups exhibit several more contemporary works.

The theme of this year’s Christmas choral concert is “Gloria in Excelsis Deo,” taken from University Chorus’ featured work, “Gloria” by Antonio Vivaldi. The theme Gloria in Excelsis Deo, Latin for “Glory to God in the Highest,” is a commonly used phrase in particularly liturgical-themed choral works. The spirit of this phrase runs through all pieces within the concert.

“The best part of these concerts, for me, is the joy that they bring to all who attend,” said St. Jean. “Ochre Court is always beautifully decorated. Audience members often remark after the performance that listening to the various choral ensembles and singing along on the carols has put them in the Christmas spirit.”

Student performers have been hard at work preparing the concert’s pieces since the beginning of the semester, and are thrilled to present their work to the Salve community. “It’s really hard to get all of the new music together in basically less than a month, and everyone should come to the show because it’s going to be really swell,” said Rob Saporito, Choir Vice President and Co-Director of Cliff Notes.

The choral program’s students and staff encourage all members of the Salve community to attend this enriching and enlightening culture-building evening.

The Christmas Choral Concert will take place Friday, Dec. 10 and Saturday, Dec. 11 at 8 pm. Tickets are $5 for Seniors and Students, and $8 for the general public. Tickets often sell out in advance, and very few tickets will be available at the door. To order tickets, contact the Music office at (401) 341-3273.