Haley Cress as Little Eir and James Gadd as Oolarana the village leader in “A King Island Christmas” presented by the Humboldt Chorale.

Celebrate the Holidays with Humboldt Chorale and University Singers

 The holiday program sung by the Humboldt Chorale and the University Singers of Humboldt State on December 11 reflects two aspects of the season.

The University Singers perform the sacred music of Antonio Vivaldi’s “Gloria,” a choral work in twelve cantata-like sections from the Latin Mass. Its twelve movements have been described as theatrical and rich in contrast: energetic, profound, buoyant, elegant, majestic, heart-rending and joyful.

Participating in this University Singers concert are 67 HSU students. Soloists include soprano Brandy Rose, soprano Elena Tessler, alto Tina Toomata and alto Claire Bent.

The Humboldt Chorale then celebrates family and community in “King Island Christmas” by David Friedman and Deborah Brevoort. Based on true events, it’s the inspiring story of Alaskan villagers who together devise and carry out an audacious plan to rescue a special passenger marooned on a freighter in the stormy sea, and by doing so rescue the island’s Christmas.

The lead characters are played by James Gadd, Cindy Cress, Haley Cress, Rachel Post, Irv Tessler and Bill Ryder. The oratorio provides for more than 50 soloists. The Humboldt Chorale is a choir of 90 singers from the community and the university.

The University Singers

The University Singers and Humboldt Chorale holiday concert is on Sunday December 11 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. University Singers directed by Harley Muilenburg, Humboldt Chorale by Carol Ryder, produced by HSU Music Department.

Media: Humboldt State Now, Arcata Eye