Annual Holiday Gala Features New Format for Celebration

New format in one special Fort Collins performance brings holiday cheer

Fort Collins, Colo. –CSU’s Annual Holiday Gala returns this season for one night only in Fort Collins on Wednesday, Dec. 4 at 7:30 p.m. at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, 417 West Magnolia St. There will be a special encore performance on Saturday, Dec. 14 at 7:30 p.m. in Denver at Trinity United Methodist Church.

Tickets are $7 for CSU students, $10 for CSU alumni, $1 for youth (under 18), and $12 for the public. Tickets for the Fort Collins performance are available at the Lincoln Center box office by phone at (970) 221-6730 or online at www.lctix.com.

As part of the University Center of the Arts’ 5th Anniversary Season, the Annual Holiday Gala returns for a more spectacular performance than ever before. The first of two performances will be held at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. This is the first time that the event will be held at the Lincoln Center, and is set to incorporate all aspects of the department, including music, theatre, and dance this year.

The evening begins with a performance by the faculty holiday brass, and includes the jazz ensemble, orchestra, and CSU choirs, who will combine for a medley of songs from the movie Home Alone, and a piece called the Musicalogical Journey through the 12 Days of Christmas.

The program also features the famous “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies” from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, aptly performed by the dance program and readings of ’Twas the Night Before Christmas by theatre students.

“This is a fun way to start off the holiday season,” said choir director Dr. Ryan Olsen. “A lot of students are involved in this show and it is a great opportunity to show off the talent from across the department.”

Continuing the tradition started last year, this festive concert travels to Trinity United Methodist Church in downtown Denver on Saturday, Dec. 14 at 7:30 p.m. and includes a program of music and theatre holiday performances.

“We’ve created this great tradition,” said Jennifer Clary, director of marketing at the University Center for the Arts. “With so many CSU alumni and friends in Denver; we want to be able to celebrate with them during this special time of year."