UW-Green Bay, Manitowoc Campus presents the Lakeshore Wind Ensemble’s ‘Festival of Christmas’
Manitowoc, Wis. — The traditional start to so many Lakeshore families’ holiday celebrations, “Festival of Christmas” will be presented by the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, Manitowoc Campus Lakeshore Wind Ensemble (LWE) on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. at the Capitol Civic Centre (CCC). Conducted by Prof. Marc Sackman (Music) and special guest conductor Michael J. Arendt, the wind ensemble will be joined by vocalists Kim Hofmann, Barbara Whitcomb and the Festival of Christmas Children’s Choir under the direction of David Bourgeois. WFRV newscaster Tom Zalaski, returns to help the wind ensemble to celebrate its 35th season and narrate the concert.
Sackman has planned a fantastic holiday including traditional holiday tunes, a few sacred favorites and selections that will transport you back to Christmases of yesteryear. Join LWE as it prepares you for the season of giving with “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas,” “Minor Alterations 2,” “Carols from the Dark Side” and much more.
Members of the Lakeshore Wind Ensemble are delighted to have founder Michael J. Arendt join them for this Christmas celebration. “I’m thrilled to be back to conduct a few pieces this season,” says Arendt.
He will be on the podium for two selections for the “Festival of Christmas” concert. His first piece, “Fantasia for Christmas,” is a contemporary work by Elliot del Borgo which is based on “The Ukrainian Bell Carol,” also known as “Carol of the Bells.” Arendt’s second selection, “Christmas Declaration” by Robert W. Smith is based on traditional carols. “It indeed makes our 35th anniversary special for me as well,” Arendt said.
The excitement and enthusiasm children bring to the stage has enchanted audiences for years. The Lakeshore Wind Ensemble’s Festival of Christmas Children’s Choir is made up of children, grandchildren and relatives of LWE members. David Bourgeois has 22 eager and energetic children in the choir this year that have been busy practicing since late October. This year the choir will be performing: “Christmas is Coming,” “Merry Christmas to You,” “Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening” and “Silver Bells Downtown.”
The annual audience sing-along will conclude the concert, as the audience is invited to join the Lakeshore Wind Ensemble for a medley of traditional carols. Sing-a-long selections include “Joy to the World,” “Deck the Halls,” “God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman,” “Good King Wenceslas,” “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing,” “Silent Night,” “Jingle Bells” and “O Come, All Ye Faithful.”
Following the concert, the audience is invited to a reception in the Mertens Family Lobby/Kadow Movie Museum to meet the conductor, narrator, musicians and choir members.
Tickets for “Festival of Christmas” are available at the Capitol Civic Centre Box Office and are $16 for adult seating, and $9 for students and all balcony seating. The quoted ticket prices do not include the CCC Ticket Fee or sales tax. For additional ticket information, you may call the CCC Box Office at 920-683-2184.
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