MANSFIELD, PA— “Lo, How a Rose” will be the theme of the annual Mansfield University holiday choral concerts on Friday, December 5 and Saturday, December 6 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 7 at 2:30 p.m. in Steadman Theatre.
Hundreds of musical compositions have references to what some believe is the most perfect flower, including sacred works based upon the scripture, Isaiah 35:1. The most famous is the Praetorius setting of Lo, How a Rose e’er Blooming to be sung by the Men’s Chorus.
Craig Hella Johnson has brilliantly woven this melody and text into a beautiful composition that also incorporates the popular song by Amanda McBroom called The Rose, which will be sung by the Festival Chorus.
The Women’s Chorus will share the classic setting of There is No Rose from Britten’s Ceremony of Carols.
And the Concert Choir will cast a spell with glorious chord clusters in A Spotless Rose by Paul Mealor, followed by a gorgeous Alleluia setting by Ralph Manuel.
Nearly 180 singers and instrumentalists in the Women’s Chorus, Men’s Chorus, Festival Chorus, Chamber Singers, and the Concert Choir will take part. Peggy Dettwiler, producer and director, has programmed music from historical classics to popular favorites that celebrate the seasons of Christmas and Hanukkah.
And the audience will enjoy singing familiar holiday carols with organ accompaniment by Vincent Lawrence, distinguished Mansfield University alumnus from Pittsburgh.
The powerful finale, The Dream Isaiah Saw, will be sung with organ, brass, and percussion and combined choirs surrounding the theatre. A snowy, peaceful backdrop has been ordered to set the stage for a lovely evening.
Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $5 for students and children and are available online at music.mansfield.edu or by calling (570)662-4710.
MU students with ID will be admitted free.
Due to the popularity of the holiday concert, patrons are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance and arrive 30 minutes before concert time.
The concerts are supported in part by student activity fees.