NSU University Singers to give Tahlequah, Muskogee concerts

(Tahlequah, Okla.)--As the holidays approach, music lovers will have two chances to hear songs of the season performed by Northeastern State Universitys premiere auditioned choral ensemble.

The University Singers perform An American Christmas on Saturday, Dec. 3 in Tahlequah and Sunday, Dec. 4 in Muskogee. Both concerts are at 7 p.m. and admission is free and open to the public.

These students are exceptionally talented and this is going to be a great concert, said Vaughn Roste, director of choral activities. Not all pieces performed will be sacred, but all will be beautiful. We invite families to attend for a lovely evening of choral singing.

The Saturday performance is at the First Presbyterian Church, 315 E. Shawnee St. in Tahlequah. The Muskogee presentation on Sunday is at the First Presbyterian Church, 500 W. Broadway Ave.

An American Christmas features holiday music from the past and present. While some selections are of African or European origin, they are united under the theme by being arrangements or editions by Americans.

The program we have chosen is broad and diverse, Roste said. The pieces range from historically important Renaissance works to classical-era selections to contemporary music from the past 10 years.

Featured composers include Daniel Gawthrop, Carl Schalk, Morten Lauridsen, Paul Basler, Craig Courtney, Howard Helvey and David Childs. Michael Trotta will personally conduct the Oklahoma premiere of his own composition at the Tahlequah performance.

Trotta is associate director of choral studies and interim assistant professor of choral music education at Oklahoma State University. As a composer he is published with Colla Voce, GIA Publications, Kjos Music Company and MorningStar Publications.

There is an immense amount of quality American choral music being composed today, Roste said. These concerts provide an easy opportunity for the audience to enjoyably experience the wealth and richness of the choral repertoire.

An American Christmas is presented by the NSU Department for Performing Arts. For more information call Roste at 918-444-2715.