It is Lindsay Pope’s second year at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where on Saturday, Dec. 2, as choral conductor she will be leading along with Stephen A. Paparo the annual Holiday Card to Amherst.
“The concert is meant to be a more lighthearted and fun musical celebration of the holiday season. It features all levels of singing at UMass and is a great way for the chamber choir and chorale students and others to come together in presenting a Holiday Card to Amherst,” said Pope, director of Choral Studies.
Presented by the UMass Amherst Department of Music and Dance, the popular event will be held at 7:30 p.m. in the Frederick C. Tillis Performance Hall.
The festive Holiday Card to Amherst showcases the talents of the UMass Chamber Choir and University Chorale, who will present a diverse program of works from the classical repertoire along with popular and traditional holiday carols. Many songs also celebrate the season of winter – darkness and light – and the solstice.
This year the UMass Gospel Choir, conducted by music education major Maya Powe, has been invited to join the concert. Graduate conductor Mallory Coakley will also lead a portion of the program.
“Gospel is a joyous tradition heard in many black churches across the country. The choir will add another flavor and additional energy to the show” Pope said, noting a gospel band has been hired to perform along with them.
Also, the Chamber Choir and University Chorale will be accompanied on piano by graduate student Kathy Lyu.
This year’s concert will include works such as Johannes Brahms’ “An die Heimat,” the Hebrew traditional, “Erev Shel Shoshanim,” and spirituals like “Children, Go Where I Send Thee” and Rev. Timothy Wright’s “Trouble Don’t Last Always.” The history of Amherst will be highlighted by the Chorale’s performance of selections from “Frostiana,” featuring music by Randall Thompson and poetry by Robert Frost. The piece was commissioned in 1958 for the 250th anniversary of the incorporation of the town of Amherst.
“We do have a few carols and standards that we do each year involving congregational singing,” Pope said.
In keeping with tradition, the audience will be invited to join in singing popular works including “Adeste Fidelis,” “The Twelve Days of Christmas” when audience members are invited onstage to sing the lyrics “five golden rings” and “Silent Night.”
“More than 150 students will be performing throughout the evening who look forward to the special community concert each year. Many of the students invite their parents to the show,” Pope said, adding that is has dual meaning for them. “It also signals for these students that the winter break is near.”
Tickets – priced at $15 for the general public, $5 for students, seniors and UMass Amherst employees, and free for UMass students – can be purchased at the Fine Arts Center Box Office, by phone at 413-545-2511, or online at fineartscenter.com/musicanddance.
Free parking is available in nearby University Lot 71 off Massachusetts Avenue and lot 62 via Thatcher Way or Stockbridge Road. Visit maps.umass.edu for parking information.
