(Posted December 6, 2004)

HUNTINGDON, Pa. -- The Juniata College Choral Union will perform the suite of traditional Christmas songs, "The Many Moods of Christmas" at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 7 at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Huntingdon.

The concert is free and open to the public. The Choral Union is conducted by Russell Shelley, Elma Stine Heckler Associate Professor of Music at Juniata College.

"Many Moods of Christmas" is one of choral music's most famous holiday arrangements. The suite of songs were arranged by Robert Russell Bennett and Robert Shaw. Bennett was musical arranger for more than 300 Broadway musicals over a 40-year career. Shaw was the founder of the Robert Shaw Chorale and music director of the Cleveland Orchestra and Atlanta Symphony.

Familiar selections from the suite include "Joy to the World," based on a melody by G.F. Handel; "Away in a Manger," with lyrics based on a 19th century poem; "March of the Kings," based on an ancient French tune; and "Fum, Fum, Fum," which is arranged to mimic the sound of a drum. The choir also will perform "O Come All Ye Faithful," "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," "Deck The Halls," "Silent Night" and many other songs.

The choral union will be accompanied by pianist Stephen Baird.

The Choral Union is the largest choral ensemble at Juniata with a student membership of more than 100 and more than 30 members from communities in the Huntingdon area. The Juniata Choral Union traditionally performs larger choral works.

Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.