University of Wyoming Holds Annual Gala Concerts

The Holiday season is here and adding to the already full list of local holiday events is the University of Wyoming's annual Gala Holiday Concerts! The concerts will be held at the Fine Arts Concert Hall on Sunday, December 4th, at 2pm and 7:30pm.

Before the Gala performances begin UW's Pan Band, a Caribbean steel drum ensemble led by Steve Barnhart, will perform. The Gala includes a number of UW's concert ensembles such as the Bel Canto Women' Choir, Civic Chorus, Happy Jacks, Singing Statesmen, Symphony Orchestra and the Wind Symphony. Department of Music faculty members Robert Belser, Michael Griffith, Nicole Lamartine and Zach Vreeman will conduct.

Another fun performance on the night is that of UW Professor Rod Garnett. He spent last year on sabbatical in Moldova, studying a folk instrument called the Nai, a type of pan-pipe. Garnett will perform unique holiday music that includes the Nai and he will be accompanied by Lisa Rickard on piano. Performances will continue with the UW Symphony as they will play music from the delightful children's animated film, "The Snowman," narrated by English Professor Peter Parolin. The concert will end with a medley of carols titled "The Many Moods of Christmas" followed by a postlude by organist Punch Williamson.

Tickets cost $10 for the public, $6 for students and $7 for senior citizens. You may purchase tickets at the Fine Arts and Wyoming Union ticket offices, or call (307) 766-6666. To order tickets online or for more information click here!

The Symphony Association's Holiday Dinner will be held between the two performances, at the old Union Pacific Train depot. Tickets for dinner tickets cost $40.