Southern Miss Gulf Coast Civic Chorale to Present Holiday Performances
Thu, 12/03/2015 - 04:36pm | By: Jenny Tate
The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast Civic Chorale will present its holiday performances titled “Oh Light, Everlasting” on Friday, Dec. 11 and Sunday, Dec. 13.
The Chorale will perform Friday, Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m. at the Fleming Education Center Auditorium on the Gulf Park campus (730 East Beach Boulevard) in Long Beach. A second performance will be held Sunday, Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (870 Howard Avenue) in Biloxi.
“Our theme for the year is, ‘Rise Up, O Flame,' ” said Dr. Lauren Fowler-Calisto, assistant professor of music and assistant director of choral activities at Southern Miss. “In the 10-year anniversary of Katrina, the Southern Miss Gulf Coast Civic Chorale celebrates the spirit of those who have risen to great heights after such tragedy through the help of community and faith.
“'Oh Light, Everlasting' celebrates the flame that has persisted in the wake of Katrina as those who lived here chose to rebuild their communities rather than disappearing into darkness,” Fowler-Calisto added.
Featured music includes John Rutter's “Candlelight Carol,” André Thomas' “Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning,” Olaf Christiansen's “Light Everlasting" and medieval carols for Christmas featuring the Star of Bethlehem. Traditional holiday songs and carols will be performed by soloists, duets and trios; the concerts will also include audience sing-a-longs.
Fowler-Calisto serves as the artistic director for the Southern Miss Gulf Coast Civic Chorale. Dr. Debra Atkinson, director of choral activities and instructor of music at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, serves as the accompanist.
In its 21st year, the Southern Miss Gulf Coast Civic Chorale is a community choir organized through The University of Southern Mississippi School of Music. Based on the University's Gulf Park campus, the 65 member chorale performs across the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Southern Miss Gulf Coast Civic Chorale concerts are free and open to the public. To learn more about the chorale or to become involved, visit www.usm.edu/gulfcoast/civic-chorale or contact Dr. Lauren Fowler-Calisto at lauren.fowlercalistoFREEMississippi.