Dec. 3, 2009

Music groups spread holiday cheer Dec. 6

by Paula Van Brocklin

More than 450 student musicians will converge on Stephens Auditorium Sunday, Dec. 6, for the 54th annual ISU Holiday Festival. The concert begins at 3 p.m.

Tickets

Tickets are $10 ($5 for students and youth). Tickets are available at the Iowa State Center box office (weekdays, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.) and through Ticketmaster.

Featured ensembles include the Iowa State Singers, Statesmen, Cantamus, Lyrica and the ISU Symphony Orchestra. Each group will perform a couple of seasonal pieces, followed by the concert's grand finale -- a combined performance of all ensembles.

Concertgoers will hear seasonal music and other pieces from the groups' repertoires.

"There will be some carols of the season, and also a Hanukkah piece and an African piece," said James Rodde, professor of music and director of choral activities.

Rodde added that he hopes the musical selections leave the audience with a sense of hope, and the spirit of the holiday season.

Also during the concert, the music department will honor Wayne Tigges ('96) with its Outstanding Alumni Award. Tigges, who sings leading roles in opera houses around the world, will perform an aria from Handel's Messiah.

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