Aurora University schedules holiday concert, 'Goodwill to All'

On Sunday, Dec. 6, Aurora University's music department will celebrate the season with this year's holiday concert, "Goodwill to All," in Crimi Auditorium, trimmed for the festivities, at the Institute for Collaboration at 407 S. Calumet Ave. in Aurora.

Classical and popular holiday selections will be performed by AU's University Chorale and Women's Ensemble. Due to standing room only in previous years, a matinee performance has been added at 3 p.m. with an evening show to begin at 7 p.m.

The public is welcome. Admission is free, but reservations are required. For reservations or more information, call (630) 844-4924, e-mail artsandideas@aurora.edu or visit www.aurora.edu/artsandideas.

The family friendly concert will debut conductors Abby Musgrove, director of choral and vocal activities, and Mark Plummer, director of the University Chorale. The singers will be joined by instrumentalists, including AU flute instructor Heidi Hagglund of Aurora, and piano instructor and accompanist Sung Ha Chi of Chicago. AU faculty will read selections from classical poetry and Biblical texts.

The 40-voice University Chorale and 25-voice Women's Ensemble comprise members from all university disciplines and perform at university functions and concerts each semester.

Among the selections are familiar carols and new favorites, including a setting of Shakespeare's "Blow, Blow through Winter Wind" by John Rutter. As they sing "The Snow" by Edward Edgar, the Women's Ensemble will be accompanied by violinists Mara Gallagher of Naperville and Andreanna Moravec of Downers Grove.

The audience will be accompanied by holiday brass and invited to sing along on some holiday favorites, including "Silent Night" by candlelight. The concert will also include multicultural selections from African, Caribbean and Brazilian traditions.

The concert is part of AU's 2009-2010 Celebrating Arts and Ideas series