The School of Music, Theatre and Dance at Colorado State University will present the annual Holiday Spectacular with concerts celebrating “Goodwill to All.” The popular event will be held on Thursday, Dec. 3, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 5, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the Griffin Concert Hall at the University Center of the Arts, located at 1400 Remington St. in Fort Collins. Proceeds will be directed toward music scholarships at CSU.
Tickets are *no charge for CSU students, $10 for youth (under 18), and $20 for the public. Tickets are available at the University Center for the Arts ticket office in the UCA lobby Monday through Friday, 3:30-5:30 p.m. and 60 minutes prior to performances, by phone at 970-491-ARTS (2787), or online. Youth tickets must be purchased in person at the Ticket Office. All tickets are subject to a $1 ticket fee for both online and at-the-door purchases. Advance ticket purchase is highly recommended to avoid lines and further at-the-door fees.
Kick off the holiday season with this family-friendly presentation! Featuring performances by the University Symphony Orchestra and combined choirs, this charming evening of traditional secular and sacred holiday music is a celebration of community goodwill, and includes something for all ages to enjoy.
Supports CSU music scholarships
Since 2014, proceeds from the performances have supported music scholarships for future and current students. Additionally, it is the second year that Spectacular performances are exclusively held in Fort Collins.
“The newer format shows both our commitment to the Fort Collins community at the start of the holiday season, and connects our students with the community through the fundraising nature of the event,” said Artistic Director Chris Van Hof. “Attendees will experience a production that will inspire, entertain and invigorate, as the holiday season begins in earnest.”
The annual program features holiday favorites, a sing-along, lovable characters and more than 250 CSU musicians on stage.
The music features three major works, using holiday themes, by the Spectacular’s special guest conductor, Randol Alan Bass, as well two new arrangements by CSU faculty; jazz faculty member Wil Swindler’s new setting of Santa-themed carols, “Two Sides of Santa,” features CSU Professor of Saxophone Peter Sommer as the soloist. Also joining the orchestra and choirs is voice faculty member John Seesholtz, baritone, as well as select student vocalists.
In the spirit of the 2015 theme, through special cameos sprinkled throughout the concert, students will share their experiences surrounding goodwill as musicians and students.
“We are thankful that patrons will choose to join us for a program celebrating amity and compassion through the universal language of music,” said Dan Goble, director of the School of Music, Theatre and Dance. “Scholarship funding supports students as they strive to reach their potential as performers, teachers, therapists, scholars and composers, spreading goodwill through music as their careers unfold.”
And, of course, the master of ceremonies for the entire evening is none other than Santa Claus himself!
Special additions
Dec. 3, 6 p.m. – Join the CSU Marching Band before the concert for the free Parade of Lights Preview around the UCA, followed by cookies and hot chocolate in the Griffin Lobby.
Dec. 5, 6 p.m. – Join the School of Music, Theatre and Dance in the Griffin Lobby before the evening performance for a free reception, with musical accompaniment.
For more information about the annual Holiday Spectacular, please contact Dr. Chris Van.
For an in-depth look behind the scenes of everything happening at the University Center for the Arts, read The Green Room digital magazine. Sign up for FREE here and follow the UCA at ColoradoStateUniversity_UCA.
The University Center for the Arts at Colorado State University provides an enriched venue in which the study and practice of Art, Dance, Music, and Theatre are nurtured and sustained by building the skills and knowledge needed by future generations of arts professionals to become contributors to the essential vitality of our culture and society. For more information, visit uca.colostate.edu.
*RAMCard is your ticket to the UCA. Full-fee paying students (enrolled in six or more credits) can receive one (1) no-charge ticket to all music, theatre, and dance department events at the UCA. Tickets are available in-person at the UCA Ticket Office, both in advance or at-the-door. A valid RAMCard must be presented for ticket redemption. Tickets are limited to one (1) per student for each performance/series of performances (i.e. multiple theatre or dance performances of the same show). Space is limited and available on a first come, first served basis. Excludes Classical Convergence and community produced events.
