New Mexico Philharmonic Presents “Holiday Joy” Concert at Popejoy Hall on December 15th
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ALBUQUERQUE, NM, October 19, 2012—Popejoy Hall will be the setting for the annual “Holiday Joy” Pops Concert presented by the New Mexico Philharmonic. On Saturday, December 15th at 6 p.m. Randol Bass will raise his baton to begin an evening of celebration of the holiday season.
Randol Bass conducts traditional holiday music favorites and carols, including his composition, a cantata entitled “Glad Tidings”—The Story of Christmas. The program features Mayor Richard J. Berry’s narration of “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” a reading by Classical 95.5 on-air personality Jim Wellborn, and guest artist, soprano Szilvia Schranz, performing “Rejoice greatly” from Handel’s Messiah with the Choir of the Cathedral of St. John raising its voice in “Glory to God.”
The Manzano Day School Chorus will bring a joyful noise as they perform “Silent Night” and “Christmas Time is Here.”
Randol Bass has written over 200 compositions for orchestra, 50 works for chorus, 300 arrangements, and over 100 transcriptions for wind ensemble. He studied Choral Music at the University of Texas, Austin, where he received his BA, the College-Conservatory of Music in Cincinnati (MA), and at both Ohio State and University of Texas for doctoral studies in choral and wind conducting. He also studied under the esteemed conductor Robert Shaw.
Hungarian-born coloratura soprano Szilvia Schranz’s voice has been called “breathtakingly perfect” and “expressive and pure”. Even in the very early stages of her voice training, world-renowned pianist András Schiff recognized that the young soprano had “something special to say”. Today, Ms. Schranz is captivating audiences across America and Europe with her emotive performances and beautifully clear upper ranges, and is increasingly being recognized as a talented young coloratura soprano to watch.
Everyone can share in the good cheer of the post-concert reception to meet the artists and leave filled with spirit of the holidays.
Ticket prices for the Holiday Joy concert are $68.55, $46.50, $35.50 and $19.50. Tickets can be purchased at www.unmtickets.com, UNM Ticket Offices at The Pit (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.), at the UNM Bookstore (Tuesday – Friday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Saturday noon – 4:00 p.m.), and at all Albertsons supermarkets in Albuquerque, Rio Rancho and Santa Fe. They can also be purchased by phone at 505-925-5858 (Monday – Friday 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.).
As the major professional orchestra in the state, the New Mexico Philharmonic is committed to inspiring audiences of all ages and backgrounds through its artistic excellence, innovative programming and educational and community engagement.
The New Mexico Philharmonic is a non-profit corporation recognized as a charitable 501(c)(3) organization by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. Contributions are tax deductible as allowed by the IRS. To learn more about upcoming performances or to become a volunteer, please visit www.nmphil.org. Donations are gratefully accepted at www.nmphil.org/contrib.
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Media Contact: Chris Rancier 505-263-2959 crancier@comcast.net
