KENNESAW, Ga. | Nov 10, 2020

Jumpstart your holiday season early with great music

The holidays are coming early this year as Kennesaw State University’s School of Music will present their annual Holiday Concert on Saturday, Nov. 14th, at 8 p.m. The popular concert will be live streamed free via ArtsKSU Virtual, and a simple reservation is all that is required. 

Featuring appearances by KSU's top ensembles, faculty, and soloists, the Holiday Concert offers something for everyone in this all-out holiday extravaganza. Musical selections scheduled for this year include traditional holiday favorites, both secular and sacred. Scheduled performances include a mix of two favorites from last year, seven new recordings and four live pieces. 

The Symphony Orchestra will open the show with the Christmas classic, Handel’s “Messiah” Overture, featuring strings and harpsichord. According to Smithsonian Magazine, “Messiah” was originally meant to be an Easter offering, but quickly became a permanent part of the holiday repertoire. The Men’s Ensemble, led by Dr. Reid Masters, will delight audiences with “Christmas Comes Anew,” followed by the Women’s Choir, led by Dr. Melissa Arasi, singing “What Sweeter Music” and pianist Robert Henry playing “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring.”

The Symphony Orchestra will be live as they perform “Fantasia on Greensleeves,” followed by the Chamber Singers singing “Oh, Holy Night.” Next, the Wind Ensemble will delight young and old with “Sleigh Ride,” followed by Chorale’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” and the Women’s Choir performing “Prepare Thyself Zion” by Bach.

The next four songs will make anyone reminisce of the days of old. The Percussion Ensemble will be live as they perform “All I Want for Christmas is You,” followed by the Symphony Orchestra’s performance of “Oh Come, All Ye Faithful.” Next, Chamber Singers will remind patrons that “Christmas Bells are Ringing,” followed by the always popular “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” featuring the Symphony Orchestra and all of the combined choirs from the spectacular 2019 finale.

In this unusual year, gather ‘round a digital fire, set your browser to full screen, and jump into the holiday season a little early with the KSU Holiday concert streaming live into your home. Simply reserve your space and watch online. If you need assistance with the live stream, please call Patron Services at 470-578-6650, or email boxoffice@kennesaw.edu.

--Kathie Beckett