Three Bienen School of Music Concerts Will Celebrate the Holidays

EVANSTON, Ill. --- The Northwestern University Henry and Leigh Bienen School of Music will celebrate the holiday season with three festive concerts.

The concerts will be held on the University's Evanston Campus at Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, 50 Arts Circle Drive, and Alice Millar Chapel, 1870 Sheridan Road, as noted below.

The University Chorale will present the 69th Annual Christmas Concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, in Pick-Staiger Concert Hall. Robert A. Harris and Amy G. Weller will conduct the Northwestern University Symphony Orchestra, University Singers, University Chorale and University Chorus. The holiday program will include Ralph Vaughan Williams' cantata "Hodie" for soloists, chorus and orchestra. Tickets for each of the two performances are $12 for the general public; $9 for senior citizens and Northwestern faculty and staff; and $6 for full-time students.

A Festival of Lessons and Carols will be held at 10:40 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at Alice Millar Chapel. Conducted by Stephen Alltop and featuring oboist Michael Henoch, the program will feature performances by the Alice Millar Chapel Choir, Northwestern University Philharmonia and Millar Brass Ensemble. This popular holiday tradition combines readings and musical works that portray the story of Christmas. The carol settings -- from medieval to modern for brass, strings, organ and choir -- include Bob Chilcott's "The Shepherd's Carol" and Jeff Ens' "O Magnum Mysterium." Also featured will be music by Herbert Howells, John Rutter and Camille Saint-Saens plus carol arrangements for strings by Matthew Naughtin. Admission is a freewill offering.

For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact the Pick-Staiger Ticket Office at (847) 467-4000 or visit http://www.pickstaiger.org.