Bailey Pettrey ~ Guest Writer and Kelli Carter ~ Staff Writer
The University of Lynchburg kicked off the festive holiday season with performances from the University of Lynchburg Choral Union, Concert Choir and the Lynchburg Singers. The performances were lead by ‘12 MEd and ‘16 MA, Jeremy M. Craft and accompanied by Dr. Cynthia B. Ramsey on piano. The choirs that performed featured students, faculty and members of the Lynchburg community at large.
Additionally, the concert included Lynchburg alumni. Hattie Elder ‘18, a former University of Lynchburg student, performed alongside the current crop of performers. “It was so nice to perform ‘at home’ again with some of my closest friends and colleagues,” Elder said. “Singing together really helped me get into the Christmas spirit.”
The audience both night enjoyed three songs by the Choral Union, four songs by the Concert Choir, four songs by the Lynchburg Singers and as well as three pieces by the Combined Choirs. They performed modern Christmas songs including Deck the Halls, Let it Snow and White Christmas, as well as pieces by classical composers like Bach and Vivaldi. The performances were well received by audiences. “The performances were spectacular! It was absolutely astonishing to perform with approximately 140 other steller vocalists,” Elder said.
Elder continued by saying, “The chapel was packed and we got standing ovations both nights. Several audience members approached me after the concert to thank me and my fellow choir members for our performance.”
Danielle Burgess of the Concert Choir said, “ I always love the Christmas shows because it brings people together. I feel like the shows were a success and it’s kind of sad that these are the last shows of the season but I am so excited to see what next season has in-store for us.”
Jenna Bohrer of the Lynchburg Singers said, “ I just loved all the pieces that were done this weekend. Christmas music is honestly the best in order to bring happiness to others. I especially loved performing let it snow because I used to sing that song all the time when I was little.”
Hattie Bateswho is in the Choral Union said, “ I graduated from the school and I was a music education major and there is nothing more that I enjoy doing is to sing especially during this season. Even though I graduated, I still get to sing with this group.”
The Wind Symphony and Orchestra Holiday Concerts this Wednesday through Friday.