The Geneva College Christmas Concert

BEAVER FALLS, PA (11/18/2011)(readMedia)-- The Genevans will present their 74th annual Christmas Concert on Friday and Saturday, December 2 and 3, 2011, in the First Presbyterian Church of Beaver Falls. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m.

The theme of the concert is "Shepherds and Angels." The centerpiece of the concert is the world premiere of "Shepherds and Angels," a set of nine early American Christmas carols by Pamela Marshall, a well-known New England composer. Marshall plans to attend the premiere.

"The music has a strong traditional flavor, with some spicy harmonies and instrumental interludes," explains Genevans conductor Dr. Robert Copeland, who has directed The Genevans since 1981.

Other familiar carols in the concert include "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks," "Angels We Have Heard on High," and "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing." "Carol of the Sheepfold" is a work by Alfred Johnson, who was the director of The Genevans until 1953 and widely known as a choral composer and director. Several choral classics are also included: "Sheep and Lambs May Safely Graze," by J.S. Bach, "Quem vidistis pastores dicite," by Francis Poulenc, and "Angelus ad pastores ait," by Hans Leo Hassler.

Senior Lauren Holmes will be the featured soloist in the concert, and the Grace Notes and Eight Bells small groups will also perform. A special group will sing highly-chromatic Renaissance music by Prince Carlo Gesualdo. Accompanists for the concert are Lindsay York and Laura Neely. The choir has presented a Christmas concert annually since 1938.

Admission is free, and a free-will offering will be received to defray expenses. Doors open at 7 p.m. First Presbyterian Church is located at the corner of 8th Avenue and 11th Street in downtown Beaver Falls.

Geneva College is a comprehensive Christian college of the arts, sciences and professional studies. Founded in the tradition of the Reformed Christian faith, Geneva prepares students to serve Christ in all areas of society: work, family and the church. Geneva College's philosophy of education is based on the Foundational Concepts of Christian Higher Education. Geneva is a founding member of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU).