Christmas comes to UVa

Talk about Christmas in July: When community members greet Michael Slon throughout the year, even during the summer, he usually can predict what they’ll want to speak about.

Folks always mention the Family Holiday Concerts, even if he meets them in July, Slon said. It may be new as traditions go, dating back only to 2005, but pleasant memories of the annual joint concert by Slon’s University singers, the University of Virginia’s premier vocal ensemble, and the Charlottesville and University Symphony Orchestra seem to last all year.

“I’m glad it has become a meaningful tradition for the community,” Slon said.

This year’s Family Holiday Concerts will be presented Saturday and Sunday in Cabell Hall Auditorium.

The singers and instrumentalists will perform a variety of holiday season favorites, including Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride,” “Dona Nobis Pacem” from J.S. Bach’s “Mass in B minor,” “Ding Dong! Merrily on High,,” “God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen” and “Hanukkah Festival Overture.”

Guest soprano Pamela Beasley, a member of UVa’s voice faculty, will be the soloist for portions of George Frideric Handel’s “Messiah.”

Beasley, who frequently serves as an oratorio soloist and has sung musical leather and operatic roles in the U.S. and Italy, also has taught at Operafestival di Roma, James Madison University, Mary Baldwin College, Liberty University, University of Mobile, University of South Alabama and Auburn University at Montgomery.

And the symphony members and singers won’t be the only ones getting a workout. Audience members will be invited to sing along on “The Twelve Days of Christmas.”

Be sure to pay attention whenever the “five golden rings” lyric appears. Each time, a different audience member will get “a spontaneous, unplanned solo” when a helper with a microphone magically appears in the aisle next to his or her feet. Often, a child’s rendition brings the house down.

Slon said that the performers are having just as much fun as the listeners. Rehearsals become team-building time for the singers and instrumentalists, and the cheerful music gives all the participants a welcome lift in the midst of exams and holiday preparations.

“It’s a beautiful way to wrap up the semester and get everybody in a festive, joyous mood,” Slon said. “I think everyone on stage also has a great time at these concerts.”

Another nice way to wrap up: Free parking. Plan to find a space in the Central Grounds Parking Garage on Emmet Street.

Also on the Grounds

There’s a busy week ahead for musicians and singers at UVa, so put the holiday to-do list aside for a minute and mark your calendars.

l The 70th annual Christmas Concerts by the Virginia Glee Club will be presented at 8 tonight in Cabell Hall Auditorium and 8 p.m. Dec. 10 at the Paramount Theater.

The men of UVa’s oldest musical organization will perform Franz Biebl’s “Ave Maria,” a traditional audience favorite, and a variety of carols and compositions from around the world. Expect a few musical surprises.

Tickets for the Cabell Hall concert are $15, $10 for seniors and $5 for students; at the Paramount, they’ll be $20, $15 and $10.

l The Virginia Women’s Chorus presents its annual Candlelight Concerts at 8 tonight, 5:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at University Chapel.

Listen for “The Seven Joys of Christmas,” Randall Thompson’s arrangement of “The Lord is My Shepherd” and a jazzy version of “The Christmas Song,” among other selections.

Tickets are $15, $5 for students of all ages.

l Don’t forget the Flute Ensemble’s Fall 2010 Concert at 8 tonight in Brooks Hall. Coached by Angela Kelly, the musicians will perform works by Scarlatti, Ravel, Catherine McMichael, Ian Clarke and Katharine Hoover. It’s free.

l The annual “Messiah” Sing-In with conductor Donald Loach is going strong after more than 40 years. Singers aren’t the only ones who can take part; instrumentalists are welcome to play, too. Admission is $8, $5 for students, and benefits UVa’s choral ensembles.

Get details on the events by calling 924-3052.