A French Holiday Celebration to Feature "Ave Maria" and Faure's "Requiem"

PLATTSBURGH, NY (11/23/2009)(readMedia)-- Champlain Valley Voices and SUNY Plattsburgh Choral Union will perform "A French Holiday Celebration," Saturday, Dec. 5, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. at the United Methodist Church, 127 Beekman St., Plattsburgh.

The program opens with an a cappella arrangement of Biebl's "Ave Maria," performed by the men of the ensemble. Other works include "Messe de Minuit de Noel," by Marc-Antoine Charpentier, and Faure's "Requiem," with a chamber orchestra, organ and harp accompanying. Soloists include SUNY Plattsburgh Choral Union students and graduate students from The Julliard School. The concert ends with the audience joining in on F. Gruber's "Silent Night."

Artistic Director Karen Becker said the Charpentier selection was especially suited to showcase the student voices.

"We have a strong group this year with many graduating seniors," Becker said. "I wanted to be sure to offer them this experience."

Tickets for "A French Holiday Celebration" are $17 general admission, $12 seniors and students and $5 children under 12 and are available at Meyers Gifts in the Plattsburgh Plaza, the Corner-Stone Bookshop on Margaret Street and from choral union members. For more information, call 518-564-2243.

Founded in 1983, Champlain Valley Voices, formerly the Champlain Valley Oratorio Society, is a non-profit, volunteer member organization made up of men and women from Plattsburgh and the surrounding area, and SUNY Plattsburgh students, who come together for the joy of singing and presenting varied musical programs to the community.