The School of Music, Theatre and Dance at Colorado State University presents 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 (UCA) ticket office in the UCA lobby Monday through Friday, 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Kick off the holiday season with our 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.
A traditional concert supporting CSU music scholarships
Since 2014, proceeds from the performances have supported music scholarship dollars 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 the concert’s 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! Please join us!
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 us in the Griffin Lobby before the evening performance for a free reception, with musical accompaniment.