Mississippi Valley State University’s Department of Fine Arts will present the 2012 Christmas Choral Concert, Oh Holy Night: A Celebration of Love, Unity and Peace, Tuesday, November 27, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. in the H. G. Carpenter Auditorium.
The story of the fall of humanity, the promise of the Messiah, and the birth of Jesus will be told in nine short scriptural readings as well as poetry by Maya Angelou and Langston Hughes. Interspersed with the readings will be Christmas music including Gregorian Chant, Renaissance motet, spirituals, gospel, tradition carols, hymns, and solos.
This year’s concert was inspired by the need to embrace the spirit of love, unity and peace during this holiday season and features the Valley Singers, University Choir and leaders from the campus and community. MVSU administrators, student government leaders, area church leaders, local and state government officials, prominent citizens and alumni, will help the university bring the scriptural readings to life.
“When I began to think about a late November concert, my goals were to create an event that would attract a diverse audience and create an event that would be unique to MVSU; this event has never been done by another area school- particularly other HBCUs,” said Dr. Weiss, University Choir Director and music professor.
“I want to thank Dr. Weiss and the students for their talents and hard work. I am thankful to the community leaders who have agreed to bring the Holiday Season in with the Valley. This occasion will become a new holiday tradition,” said University President Donna H. Oliver.
Special guests are:
Fire Chief Marcus D. Banks - Greenwood Fire Department, MVSU Class of 2007 and 2013
Dr. Calvin E. Collins, Pastor - New Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Greenwood
Mr. Bill Crump - Director of Governmental Affairs and Executive Assistant to the President
Viking Range Corporation
Dr. Rusty Douglas, Pastor - First Presbyterian Church, Greenwood
Mr. Marvin Elder II - Student Government Association President, MVSU Class of 2013
Mr. Reggie Fullwood
Senior Vice President and General Manager Harlow's Casino Resort & Hotel, Greenville
Dr. John D. Jones - Associate Provost for Institutional Effectiveness, Research, and Strategic Planning, MVSU
The Honorable David Jordan - Mississippi State Senator, District 24 Councilmember, Greenwood City Council
Ms. Jaribu Hill - Executive Director, Mississippi Workers’ Center for Human Rights and Municipal Judge of Hollandale
Mr. Tim Kalich - Editor & Publisher, The Greenwood Commonwealth
Mr. Jerry Redmond, Jr. - Senior Graphic Designer, Redmond Design, Memphis, MVSU Class of 1994
Mr. Rickey Thigpen - Executive Vice President, Jackson Convention & Visitors Bureau, MVSU Class of 1987
Ms. C. Sade Turnipseed - Executive Director, da’ House of KhafreDirector of Education & Community Outreach, B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center
Ms. Carolyn Upkins - Treasurer, MVSU Foundation, MVSU Class of 1975
The concert is free and open to the community. Doors open at 6:45 p.m.
For more information about the Christmas Choral Concert, call 662-254-3348 or email, johnweiss28@gmail.com.