Members of Lamar University's A Cappella Choir prepare for the Dec. 7 Lamarissimo! holiday concert at the Jefferson Theatre.
Lamar University's A Cappella Choir and Grand Chorus will celebrate the Yuletide spirit at the annual Lamarissimo! holiday concert 3 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 7, in the Jefferson Theatre.
According to University press release, Michael Peters, Lamar's new director of choral activities, will make his Lamarissimo! debut as conductor of the A Cappella Choir and Grand Chorus. This is the 19th season for Lamar's series of off-campus performances.
"This concert is the perfect start to the holiday season," Peters said in a prepared statement. "What could be better than listening to beautiful music in a richly decorated Jefferson Theatre � and then getting to sing along with some holiday favorites?"
Ensembles will perform classics from Felix Mendelssohn and Ralph Vaughn Williams, carols from Germany, France and Catalonia, Southern hymns and English folk songs.
"It is a great honor and joy to work with the choirs at Lamar," Peters said. "The singers are strong and sing with a lot of passion. They work hard and seem to really love what they do."
The concert will feature a special performance by the Cardinal Singers, with Lamar President Jimmy Simmons on piano.
"It is such a privilege to be part of this great tradition and relationship between Lamar and the community," Peters said. "What a great idea it is to feature the talents of the students and faculty. And how fortunate the city is to have such wonderful performance venues."
Peters is visiting assistant professor, as well as director of choral activities, in the Department of Music, Theatre & Dance. In addition to directing the A Cappella Choir and Grand Chorus, he teaches choral methods and choral conducting and works with the department's high school All-State workshops and summer camp.
The holiday concert is open to Lamarissimo! season ticket-holders.
The season tickets, $40 for adults and $20 for students, include admission to all five concerts in 2008-2009. The tickets are available in the Lamar Department of Music, Theatre & Dance, (409) 880-8144, and will be on sale at the Jefferson Theatre box office the afternoon of the holiday concert.
Individual tickets, $15 for adults and $10 for students, will be available in the box office beginning at 2:15 p.m.
Admission is free to students of Lamar University in Beaumont with valid LU identification.