First Annual Holiday Celebration to Feature Music, Theatre and Dance

Davidson College invites the public to attend its first annual Holiday Celebration, a festive evening of song, dance and artistic display, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, Dec. 3 and 4.

The Music Department will produce the gala event in the Duke Family Performance Hall, beginning at 7:30 p.m. each evening. Tickets are $20 general admission, $15 for seniors, $10 for 18 and under, and $5 for students. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Union ticket office at 704-894-2135, or online.

The celebration will feature collaborative performances in music, theatre and dance of both secular and sacred traditions by several college and community groups. They include the Davidson College Choirs, Davidson College Symphony Orchestra, the Davidson College Jazz Band, Dance Davidson and The Davidson Community Players. Performances will range in character from laugh-out-loud comedy to intimate nostalgia.

Director of Choral Activities and Gala Artistic Director Chris Gilliam emphasized the collaborative nature of the celebration. "It will be a way for music, theatre, dance and other art forms to come together in an event that everyone can enjoy," he said. "This is a great way to see the pooled talents of many different local performance groups."

The Davidson College Symphony Orchestra will begin the entertainment with "Spirit of the Season" from the soundtrack of the animated film Polar Express. Other highlights will include a choir, percussion and guitar arrangement of the traditional Jewish song "Ocho Kandelikas," a Jazz Band rendition of a traditional Christmas carol with accompaniment by Dance Davidson and a 10-minute stage act by the Davidson Community Players.

Assistant Professor and Chair of Dance Alison Bory also is preparing a holiday-themed dance for her students to perform. The festivities will conclude with a soaring musical theatre performance inspired by the traditions of the season.

Gilliam hopes the Holiday Celebration will help introduce members of the local community to the performing arts at Davidson. "The Holiday Celebration is not only a great way to welcome the season with your family," he said, "this is also a great opportunity to show the local community that Davidson is home to an excellent symphony orchestra, choirs, theatre, dance groups and other artistic resources."

The college's Holiday Celebration will establish a holiday mood in town that will continue with the town's annual "Christmas in Davidson," which will be held Dec. 5- 7.

The holiday lineup also will include the college's annual "Christmas Vespers" concert of sacred lessons and carols on Dec. 8 at 7:30 p.m. in the sanctuary of the Davidson College Presbyterian Church. Performed by the Davidson College Symphony Orchestra, the Davidson College Chorale and the Davidson College Brass Ensemble, the event is free to attend.

For more information, call 704-894-2848.