November 16, 2001

VITERBO CELEBRATES THE TRADITIONS OF CHRISTMAS WITH HODIE

LA CROSSE, Wis.— The spirit of Christmas lives on in the Viterbo University music department’s production of Ralph Vaughan Williams’ rich, joyous masterpiece, Hodie.

Based on an anthology that includes the Gospels and the poetry of Milton, Hardy, George Herbert, and others, Hodie is a vocal and instrumental work that combines both the earthy and the mystical elements of Christmas by reflecting on the events of the Nativity. Begun in 1952 when Vaughan Williams was 80, it is the last of his large-scale choral works. A celebration of healing and hope, Hodie honors our traditions and infuses them with the promise of new life.

"Hodie is really one of the most exciting orchestral and choral combinations in contemporary music. It is a colorful, joyous work that strongly depicts the quality and mood of the text both vocally and instrumentally," said Jean Saladino, Hodie conductor.

The performance features Viterbo student soloists under the instruction of Jean Saladino, Diane Foust, Jerry Benser, and Daniel Johnson-Wilmot as well as the Viterbo University Concert Choir conducted by Johnson-Wilmot, the Women’s Chorale conducted by Saladino, and an orchestra comprised of local individuals. The annual Christmas Lobby Party will follow both performances and features faculty soloists as well as the Concert Choir, Women’s Chorale, the Ninth Street Singers directed by Diane Foust, and Platinum Edition directed by Nancy Allen.

Hodie is sponsored by Wash Board Blues. Performances will be held in the Fine Arts Center Main Theatre, on Saturday, Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 2 at 2 p.m. Ticket prices are $14/11. To order tickets, contact the Viterbo University Box Office at 608-796-3100.