Nova Singers, under the direction of Dr. Laura Lane, presents two performances of A Nova Christmas: Friday, December 14 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Davenport, IA, and Saturday, December 15 at 7:30 p.m. at First Lutheran Church, Galesburg.
Nova Singers' most popular concert of the year is fast approaching! Get your friends and family into the Christmas spirit with a program featuring Christmas songs of all kinds, including Kirby Shaw's arrangement of Silver Bells and Irving Berlin's timeless White Christmas. Victoria's Ne Timeas Maria and Muehleisen's A solis ortus cardine are sure to take your breath away. We also celebrate local talent, featuring Galesburg composer Daniel Godsil's newly published Choral Meditation on "The Holly and the Ivy" and pianist Megan Clewell on a tango from Puerto Rico and a delightful arrangement of Shepherd's Shake Off Their Drowsy Sleep. And of course, it wouldn't be A Nova Christmas without an audience sing-along!
Nova Singers will be joined by youth choirs for both concerts. On Friday the 14th in Davenport at St. Paul Lutheran Church, the guest choir is the Sudlow Select Choir, under the direction of Kim Knoche. On Saturday the 15th in Galesburg at First Lutheran Church, Nova will be joined by the Galesburg Singing Streaks, directed by Pier Debes. Each choir will perform their own set of music before combining with the Nova Singers for three beloved Christmas carols.
Artistic Director Laura Lane says that the Christmas concert is one of her personal favorites. "It's true! Music has always been an important part of the holiday season for me. Every year, I love finding new Christmas carols that we've never done before that I think are perfect for Nova Singers. And this year I have found so many that are uniquely beautiful! I adore the mystical, deep motets from the Renaissance by Hassler and Victoria, but I'm also thrilled with the A solis ortus?written a year ago, I believe this will be only its second performance ever! Based on chant, it's haunting and full of rich, lush harmonies and just absolutely gorgeous. I'm also really excited about finally singing Silver Bells and White Christmas with Nova Singers: two of my dad's favorite carols."
Nova Singers, a professional vocal ensemble under the direction of Dr. Laura Lane, hopes to share our musical holiday spirit with you. Nova Singers is known for bringing a wide variety of choral music to its audiences, and for the beauty and charm the singers impart to their music. Dr. Lane has been serving the greater Galesburg and Quad-Cities communities since 1986, bringing her passion for music and expressive singing to audiences and singers alike.
Tickets will be available at the door. Admission is $18 for adults and $15 for seniors. Students are admitted free of charge. Nova Singers season tickets will still be available through this performance. For information about group rates, tickets, recordings, or other Nova Singers events, call 309-341-7038, or e-mail nova@knox.edu. Also, please take the opportunity to visit our Facebook page under the keywords 'Nova Singers'.
A Nova Christmas is sponsored by Miller Dredge Insurance. Nova Singers' 2012-2013 season is partially funded by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council.
