Posted: Monday, November 20, 2017

The University of Evansville Department of Music invites the public to ring in the holiday season at the annual Holiday Pops Concert. For nearly four decades, students, faculty, and soloists have shared their talent and celebrated the spirit of the season with music. This year - for the first time - the concert will be presented both in Evansville and in Henderson, Kentucky. Both presentations are free and open to the public.

The Evansville concert will be at the Victory Theatre downtown, at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 5. This presentation is made possible through the generosity of Mesker Music Trust by Fifth Third Bank, trustee. The Henderson concert will be at the Preston Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 6. This presentation is part of a budding partnership with the center.

UE’s music programs also have the support of the Friends of UE Music.

UE’s choirs, Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, and University Band are among the ensembles audiences can expect to enjoy at this year’s event, along with an added touch of community spirit. The featured guest for the concert is Evansville’s own Gina Moore.

A graduate of Central High School, Moore has appeared frequently as a soloist around the Tristate. She began singing with her church choir in the late 1970s. Since then she has made numerous appearances, both as a soloist and with her sister Joan as a member of The Browne Sisters, with ensembles ranging from choirs to the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra.

Moore will sing a number of holiday favorites, including Sweet Little Jesus Boy, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, and The Christmas Song. Each of UE’s student music ensembles will also perform during the evening. Orchestra selections include variations on Joy to the World, the University Choir will perform Amazing Grace, featuring Moore as soloist, and the Wind Ensemble will share their rendition of the Leroy Anderson’s classic Sleigh Ride.

The concert concludes with all of the department’s ensembles joining on-stage for an audience sing-a-long, and likely a visit from a right jolly old elf!

The Department is pleased to partner with the Tri-State Food Bank and Christian Charities Food Bank for this year’s event. Tickets are free, but attendees are encouraged to bring a donation of canned food, which the food banks will share with those in need.

For more information about the UE Department of Music, please visit music.evansville.edu.

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