The Dana School of Music will present its annual holiday music extravaganza,
Carols & Cocoa and the Dana Holiday Concert; both directed overall by Dr. Hae-Jong Lee, Wednesday, December 5, 2012,
7:00 p.m. at Stambaugh Auditorium, 1000 Fifth Avenue.
Carols & Cocoa will be performed in Stambaugh’s Ballroom and will feature seasonal favorites, culminating in a holiday sing-along. Dana students bring cookies to share, and complimentary coffee and cocoa, sponsored by Sheetz, will be available. Featured groups are: Trombone Ensemble, directed by Michael Crist; Dana Clarinet Ensemble, directed by Alice Wang; Dana Early Music Ensemble, directed by Randall Goldberg; Dana Flute Ensemble, directed by Kathryn Umble; University Chorus, Women’s Chorus, Dana Chorale and the Stambaugh Chorus, directed by Hae-Jong Lee.
After a brief intermission, guests are invited upstairs to the Concert Hall where the Dana Holiday Concert will be presented featuring Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, Final Movement-Choral Symphony-“Ode to Joy” performed by the Dana Symphonic Choir, Stambaugh Chorus and Dana Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Hae-Jong Lee. Guest soloists include soprano Misook Yun, mezzo soprano Rachael Pavloski, tenor Bill Ambert and baritone Max Pivik. Beethoven’s 9 symphonies are a pinnacle of Western Music. Among them, the 9th Symphony has become an icon of Western culture for at least two reasons. Its revolutionary form, its unprecedented size and complexity and, above all, the introduction of the human voice in a symphony—changed the history of music forever. And, its message affirms the triumph of joy over adversity like no other piece of music, culminating in the message that joy should dominate and all mankind should become brothers and sisters living in peace.
Guest ensembles include the Howland High School Chamber Choir, directed by Anjanette Depoy, and the Stambaugh Chorus. Additionally, the Dana Brass Quintet, directed by Stacie Mickens; YSU Jazz Ensemble I, directed by David Morgan; and YSU Wind Ensemble, directed by Stephen Gage will participate. Organist Kathy Miller will provide an organ solo on the newly refurbished E. M. Skinner pipe organ.
The Friends of Dana will present its annual Dana Award to Richard Zacharias.
This annual event has been presented for over 30 years and first began in the Bliss Hall Lobby. Dr. Michael Crist, director of the Dana School of Music, noted, “This very important tradition dates back some 30 years involving most of our vocal and instrumental students. It’s a pleasure to give back so much to the community that supports us throughout the year.” He added that the two performances are an enjoyable way to begin the holiday festivities.
Tickets, which are all general admission, may be purchased in advance at the Stambaugh Auditorium Box Office, in person or by phone at 330-259-0555; or online at www.stambaughauditorium.com. Tickets will also be available that evening. Ticket prices are $10 for adults, $5 for students, senior citizens, and YSU faculty and staff with a valid YSU ID. The event is free for children under 12 and YSU students with a valid YSU ID.
More information may be obtained by calling the Dana School of Music at 330-941-3636.
Coffee and Cocoa provided by Sheetz.
Also sponsored by La Farge Aggregates, The Flats at Wick, WKBN First News 27-Fox, Nanette Lepore, Frangos Group, Penn National Gaming Foundation, Kaleel Brothers, Youngstown State University Foundation, Erie Terminal Place, Youngstown State University.