(Posted November 28, 2005)

HUNTINGDON, Pa. -- The Juniata College Choral Union will perform the renowned Bach vocal composition "Magnificat" as well as a program of Christmas carols at its concert at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 6 in Rosenberger Auditorium in the Halbritter Center for the Performing Arts on the Juniata campus.

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.

"Magnificat" was written by Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach (1714 to 1788), the son of famed baroque composer Johann Sebastian Bach. C.P.E. Bach is best known for his keyboard sonatas and his prodigious output of Protestant church music, including "Magnificat."

"Magnificat" was written as a musical calling card to help Bach attain an appointment to be a church musician. He worked as court musician for Germany's crown prince Frederick (Frederick the Great). Eventually Bach would be hired as sacred music director for the churches of Hamburg. He wrote more than 900 vocal and instrumental works.

The holiday portion of the concert will focus on traditional carols. The evening's repertoire includes "Longfellow's Carol," "Christmas Night," "A Great and Mighty Wonder," "A Maiden Most Gentle" and "As With Gladness Men of Old."

The Choral Union is the largest choral ensemble at Juniata with a student membership of more than 110 and more than 30 members from communities in the Huntingdon area. The Juniata Choral Union traditionally performs larger choral works.

The choral union will be accompanied by pianist Stephen Baird.


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