Wednesday, December 2, 1998
Musicians promise night of harmony, festivity, fun
CHOIR: Groups unite to deliver Holiday Concert, provide
innovative multicultural, family experience
By Laura Zhang
Daily Bruin Contributor
The beauty of Royce Hall has rarely escaped the lot of UCLA
students who walk through the quad daily. Not only is the
architecture captivating, the acoustics of the building have
attracted many professional performances.
It is exactly this majestic-yet-functional structure to which
the UCLA music department’s annual Holiday Concert will return
tonight, for the first time after the 1994 Northridge
earthquake.
In correspondence to Royce’s stately, cathedral-like appearance,
the concert this year will arrange the choirs in different areas of
the auditorium, a technique (known as antiphony) commonly used by
European Catholic choirs. Since concerts in the past four years
have been held in Schoenberg Hall, antiphony – which utilizes
balconies to place singers – could not be applied.
A means of accentuating surround sound, the concert’s use of
antiphony is also reminiscent of the Baroque period, when it was
used most commonly in Venice, Italy.
Other than the historical essence, the Holiday Concert will be
featuring a multicultural aspect as well. Traditional Christmas
carols and Hannukah songs will also be accompanied by the
performance of a Nigerian Christmas carol. Intensely rhythmic and
spirited, this African piece will surely leave the audience
hand-clapping and foot-stomping.
While Donald Neuen, who is usually responsible for conducting
the UCLA Chorale, is on sabbatical for the fall term, doctoral
student Allen Hightower will conduct the UCLA Chorale. Doctoral
students Kristen Hightower and Kwan Ju are conducting the UCLA
Chorus.
As in previous years, the performing groups will include the
UCLA Chorale, Chamber Singers, University Chorus, and UCLA
Philharmonia Orchestra and Bass Ensemble.
This year, however, the Holiday Concert will include, for the
first time, the Angeles Chorale, a guest group formed of 100
musicians from West Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley area.
Each choir will sing four songs on their own, and combine for three
songs.
Since the beginning of the quarter, these 400 or so performers
have dedicated themselves to preparing for the 90 minute
program.
"It is an exciting experience for singers from all walks of
life," remarks Neuen.
The first half of the program features special arrangements of
Christmas and Hannukah songs such as "O Holy Night" and "Joy to the
World." The singers and musicians will devote the second half
solely to Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, "Ode to Joy."
Considered by some as the most festive symphony in all
orchestral repertoire, the Beethoven piece is also one of the most
famous symphonies of any composer.
"It’ll be a very festive concert with a multicultural aspect and
family appeal," says Allen Hightower. "People would enjoy bringing
their family to it but it would be enjoyable for college students
as well."
Apparently, the audience will not be the only ones appreciating
the aesthetic experience.
"It’s just an amazing feeling to hear all those voices coming
together into one tone," first-year music student Areni Agbabian
says before rehearsal.
Indeed, through the unity of harmonious voices, the Holiday
Concert manifests the heart-warming spirit of the holidays.
ON-CAMPUS: The Holiday Concert begins at 8 p.m. in Royce Hall on
Dec 2. Admission: $10 general, $5 for studentsPATIL ARMENIAN
UCLA Chorale conductor Allen Hightower rehearses "O Holy Night"
to be performed by the chorus in Royce Hall for the concert
tonight.
Comments, feedback, problems?
© 1998 ASUCLA Communications Board[Home]