November 13, 2002

VITERBO CELEBRATION SINGS WITH THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS

LA CROSSE, Wis.—The Viterbo University Music Department is kicking off the holiday season this year with a magical Christmas Celebration, from Dec. 7-8, as part of the Bright Star Season.

 The evening begins with the performance of J.S. Bach’s Baroque choral masterpiece "Magnificat in D," by the Viterbo Concert Choir, directed by Daniel Johnson-Wilmot and supported by an orchestra comprised of local individuals. The piece is a setting of the Latin text, which begins, "My soul doth magnify the lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior."

 John Rutter’s 20th century collection of carols, "Dancing Day," directed by Jean Saladino and performed by the Women’s Chorale, will follow the "Magnificat." "Dancing Day" is a series of poetry and traditional songs of the season and is accompanied by harpist Elinor Niemisto. Viterbo University will feature its new Martin harpischord during the concert. The instrument was built by Willard Martin of Bethlehem, Penn. and is a single manual instrument built in the French style.

 The performance also features Viterbo student soloists under the instruction of Jean Saladino, Diane Foust, Jerry Benser, and Daniel Johnson-Wilmot. 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.

The Christmas Celebration is sponsored by Charter Communications. Performances will be held in the Fine Arts Center Main Theatre, on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. Ticket prices are $14/11. To order tickets, contact the Viterbo University Box Office at 608-796-3100. Explore the Bright Star Season Web site at www.viterbo.edu/academic/ug/sfa/bss. html.