Cleveland State ensembles in concert tonight

Sunday, January 1, 1905

The Cleveland State Community College choral ensemble Vocal Rhapsody and the CSCC Chamber Choir will present their holiday concert tonight. The show starts at 7 p.m. in the auditorium of the George R. Johnson Cultural Heritage Center on the Cleveland, Tenn., campus.

A Not-So-Silent Auction will precede the concert at 6 p.m. in the foyer. Concert admission is free, but donations will help choral students travel to Austria in May for the Passion Within Choral Festival.

Both Vocal Rhapsody, an auditioned ensemble, and the Chamber Choir, open to any student, are under the direction of associate professor of music Karen Dale. In a news release, Dale said that all ages -- from dual-enrollment high school students to grandparents -- are represented in the two ensembles, as well as diverse races and cultures and those with disabilities.

"These singers represent the ideal of a diverse group coming together in harmony to make wonderful music and friendships," she said. "Singing together erases all differences and brings about unity in the strongest sense."

Tonight's concert will include "Mark of the Kings" and "Carol of the Bells," as well as several Spanish songs such as "Riu Riu, Chiu" and "Feliz Navidad." Among the a cappella selections are Rosephayne Powel's "The Word Was God" (based on John 1:1-3), the madrigal "Let Your Heart Be Joyful," "White Christmas" arranged by Deke Sharon and "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year," arranged by Kirby Shaw.

There also will be a cappella and accompanied traditional carols and songs, and novelty selections such as "The 12 Days After Christmas," "Various Themes on Fa La La" and a barbershop arrangement of "Jingle Bells."

Contemporary selections such as "Go Light Your World" and a swing medley of Gershwin songs will be performed by Vocal Rhapsody. Vivaldi's "Gloria" and Rutter's "Candlelight Carol" will be sung by the Chamber Choir with lighter fare such as "The Christmas Waltz."

IF YOU GO

* What: Cleveland State Music Department holiday concert.

* When: 7 p.m. today.

* Where: George R. Johnson Cultural Heritage Center auditorium, Cleveland State Community College, Cleveland, Tenn.

* Admission: Free but donations appreciated.

* Phone: 423-614-8748.

* Note: Not-So-Silent Auction begins at 6 p.m. in foyer.