UW Symphony Gala Holiday Concert Set

Journey the world with holiday music at the University of Wyoming’s Gala Holiday Concert Saturday, Dec. 8, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 9, at 3 p.m. in the Fine Arts concert hall.

The Symphony Association’s holiday dinner will follow the Sunday performance. Concert prices are $10 for the public, $6 for students and $7 for senior citizens. Dinner tickets cost $40. Tickets are available in the Fine Arts and Wyoming Union ticket offices. For more information, call (307) 766-6666 or visit their website.

A medieval procession “Personent Hodie,” native to Prague, will begin the festivities followed by music originating in Catalonia, Italy, Africa, England and Russia, among other locations. The concert will showcase Dr. Seuss’s “Whoville” and its villain, the Grinch.

Other highlights include “A Hanukkah Overture” by Radio City Music Hall arranger Bob Wendel, and Professor David Brinkman’s holiday piece “Christmas is for Grandparents.”

Finally, “A Feast of Carols” will combine almost all of UW’s concert ensembles, including the Symphony Orchestra, Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Bel Canto Women’s Choir, Civic Chorus, Happy Jacks, Singing Statesmen and the Wind Symphony.

Before the concert, the Laramie High School Concert Choir and Plainsmen Singers, directed by Mike Hancey, will perform in the lobby.

The Symphony Association’s Holiday Dinner will be in the historic Laramie train depot.

“With wine, music, great international food and a silent auction, it’s a wonderful way to support the UWSO scholarships fund,” says Symphony Director Michael Griffith.