Southeastern Louisiana University

Concert Choir plans Dec. 3 'Music for the Holidays' concert

Contact: Christina Chapple

11/21/06

     HAMMOND – The Southeastern Louisiana University Concert Choir’s Dec. 3 “Music for the Holidays” concert will mark conducting debuts for two choir members and the world premiere of a student composition.

     The free concert is scheduled for 3 p.m. at Hammond’s First Baptist Church, 410 W. Morris.

     Choral Director Alissa Mercurio Rowe said the first half of the concert “is a mixture of carols and classical choral literature with text that represents the Christmas season.” The second half is part one of Handel’s “Messiah,” performed with orchestra.

     “’The Messiah’ is a holiday classic and a piece that everyone in town should come and hear,” she said.

     During the first half of the concert, Rowe will surrender the conducting baton to music education majors Cali McQueen of Gonzales and Brian Martinez of Montz, who will conduct “Noel Nouvelet,” arranged by Richard Zgodava, and “O Holy Night,” arranged by John Rutter, respectively.

     “They have rehearsed their music with the choir from scratch and are looking forward to performing,” Rowe said. “It has been an incredible learning experience for them and wonderful preparation for their student teaching next year.”

     Rowe said the choir will also sing “Gloria de Noel,” a work by sophomore music education major Nathan Constant of Meraux. 

     “This is one of Nathan's first compositions and he is thrilled to be having the concert choir perform it,” Rowe said. “He approached me about the composition and I was very taken by it. It is an exceptional piece for a sophomore. The work is extremely musical and full of energy.”

     In addition to Constant’s world premiere, the first half of the concert will also include popular holiday songs such as “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “White Christmas,” and “Silent Night” along with classical pieces such as Grieg’s “Ave Maris Stella.”

     The 36-voice Concert Choir is Southeastern’s premier vocal ensemble. In addition to Martinez, McQueen and Constant, the choir also includes Blair Abene, Jessica Bryan, Laura Freeney, Jane Rownd, Betty Turner, Travis Bush, and Brandon Bosarge, Hammond; Cassie Arnold, Paula Vickers, Danielle Willie, and D.J. Pevey, Ponchatoula; Maria Burkett, Chalmette; Margaret Davis and Karie Lancon, Walker.

     Also, Melissa Simien and Chris Griffin, Baton Rouge; Angela Miller, Brandon Wear, Colby McCurdy, Scott McDonough, Steven Palmisano, and Ryan Thomas, Slidell; Kimberly Hilliard, Dustin Johnson, and Emily Stokes, Covington; Elyse German and Kendall Kyzar, Pearl River; Sarah Kennemer, Mandeville; Katie Morgan, Gonzales; Christina Babin, Prairieville; Eryn Minor, Luling; Charlene Robinson, Destrehan; and Patrick O’Malley, Hahnville.

     For additional information, contact the Department of Music and Dramatic Arts, 985-549-2184.