ABERDEEN, S.D. – The Northern State University Johnson Fine Arts Center will be adorned in holiday cheer as the NSU School of Fine Arts hosts its highly anticipated “Holiday Extravaganza” on Tuesday, Dec. 5. The concert will take place at 7:30 p.m. in the JFAC Harvey and Cynthia Jewett Theater.

Several additional activities are also planned for the evening, for which the public will want to arrive early to enjoy. Refreshments and music, courtesy of several NSU student chamber groups, will greet the public throughout the beautiful JFAC lobby prior to the main concert.

Participating groups for the concert include the Aberdeen University/Civic Symphony, NSU Symphonic Band, NSU Concert Choir and NSU Chamber Choir.

“As always, the concert will be a joyful holiday kick-off for the entire Aberdeen community. There will be a special musical treat for everyone’s taste,” said NSU School of Fine Arts Dean Dr. Kenneth Boulton.

The Aberdeen University-Civic Symphony, under the direction of Dr. Robert Vodnoy, will perform a medley of well-known Christmas carols arranged by Arthur Harris; “Christmas Song” arranged by Lowden; and other festive selections.

The NSU Symphonic Band, conducted by Dr. Rolf Olson, will present three selections: “A Christmas Festival” by Leroy Anderson; “O Magnum Mysterium” by Morten Lauridsen; and “Fantasy on the Huron Carol” by Robert Buckley.

Led by Dr. Timothy Woods, the NSU Concert Choir will present “Kyrie” and “Gloria” by Ariel Ramirez; “O Holy Night” arranged by Jeffrey Haskell; and “Carol of the Bells” arranged by Peter Wilhousky. The NSU Chamber Singers will perform “Only in Sleep” by Eriks Esenvalds; “The Wexford Carol” by Matthew Culloton; and “In dulci jubilo” arranged by R. L. Pearsall.

Finally, the NSU Concert Choir will join forces with the Aberdeen University-Civic Symphony to present “Fantasy on Christmas Carols” by Vaughan Williams, as well as the traditional public sing-along of the “Hallelujah Chorus” from Handel’s “Messiah.”

Admission is $7 for adults, $3.50 for NSU faculty/staff, and free for school-aged children or NSU students with ID. Purchase tickets online.

For more information about the “Holiday Extravaganza,” please contact Boulton at Kenneth.boulton@northern.edu.

About Northern State University

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