The Messiah College Concert Choir is one of the groups performing at the Christmas concerts. Click on image to download print-quality version

GRANTHAM, Pa. (Nov. 13, 2006) — Student ensembles from the Messiah College department of music will perform two Christmas concerts, featuring a variety of performances, on Dec. 3. The first concert will be at 4 p.m. in St. Lawrence Chapel, located at 110 State Street in Harrisburg. A $10 donation is suggested. The second concert will be held at 8 p.m. in Hostetter Chapel, located on the college’s Grantham campus. Tickets for the campus event cost $6 and must be purchased in advance by calling the ticket office at (717) 691-6036. For more information on either concert, call the department of music office at (717) 766-2511, ext. 3310.

A highlight of the holiday season, the Messiah College Christmas concerts will feature music groups such as the Women’s Ensemble, Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, Men’s Ensemble, Brass Choir and the Handbell Choir (performing at campus concert only).

Women’s Ensemble

The Women’s Ensemble, under the direction of Katrina Peddell, assistant professor of music, is comprised of 60 female vocalists. They will perform a number of holiday pieces including “O Magnum Mysterium,” “Angel Carol,” “Ave Maria,” “The Christ Child Lay on Mary’s Lap” and “Go Where I Send Thee!”

Concert Choir

The Concert Choir is comprised of 41 singers who recently completed a European tour to Vienna, Salzburg, and Prague. Under the direction of Linda Tedford, director of choral activities, the choir will perform various works, such as “Weinachten” by Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy, “When Christ was Born” by Edwin Fissinger, “Benedicamus Domino” by Peter Warlock, “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” by Johann Sebastian Bach and “Ye Sons of Men” by Frank Ferko.

Chamber Singers

Chamber Singers, a select group of 15 singers under the direction of Tedford, will perform a cappella pieces. The works will include “Hodie” by Joseph Testa, “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Ives, “Il Est Ne” arranged by Alice Parker, “Jesus, Jesus, Rest Your Head” arranged by Margaret Vance and “Carol of the Bells” by M. Leontovich.

Men’s Ensemble

The Men's Ensemble, comprised of 19 male vocalists under the direction of Tedford, will perform "Riu, Riu, Chiu, Tollite Hostias" by Camille Saint-Saens and the English carol “Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day.” 

Brass Choir

The 15 member Brass Choir, under the direction of Michael Harcrow, assistant professor of music, will be performing a traditional Christmas repertoire and music for antiphonal brass.

Handbell Choir

The Handbell Choir is comprised of 14 ringers from a variety of departments.  The choir is under the direction of Shawn Gingrich, adjunct organ instructor, and will be performing the following pieces at the Messiah College campus concert only: “The Joy of Christmas” by Michael Joy, a setting of a Bach chorale, “Be Very Joyful” arranged by Shawn Gingrich, “I Wonder as I Wander” arranged by Karen Buckwalter and “Sing We Now of Christmas” arranged by Kevin McChesney.

About Messiah College

Messiah College, a private Christian college of the liberal and applied arts and sciences, enrolls nearly 2,800 undergraduate students in 60 majors. Established in 1909, the primary campus is located in Grantham, Pa., near the state capital of Harrisburg. A satellite campus affiliated with Temple University is located in Philadelphia.

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