Holiday Concert plays to full house, Sunday, Dec. 2

WILLIAMS BAY, Wis., Dec. 10, 2007 —The sounds of the holiday season rang out as George Williams College presented its Annual Holiday Concert, Sunday, Dec. 2 to an enthusiastic, full house. Christine Flasch, executive director of Music by the Lake and director of the University Chorale directed as the evening began with two classical selections including J.S. Bach’s “Magnificat in D.”

After a brief intermission, the audience was treated to more traditional fare including fresh, updated arrangements for orchestra and choir of Handel's "Joy to the World," and Franz Gruber's "Silent Night," with jazz overtones. The program also featured three colorful folk holiday selections: African, West Indian and Chilean music with the unusual beat of a variety of colorful percussion instruments coupled with electric bass and guitar.

“Our goal is to keep raising the bar, providing the Geneva Lake’s community with the highest level of professional musical presentations,” said Flasch. 

With 40 voices, the University Chorale debuted last fall to perform at university functions and concerts each semester. Most members of the University Chorale received scholarships through an audition process last year.

The Music by the Lake Singers hold advanced degrees in vocal performance. The talented singers from Wisconsin and Illinois have appeared in operas and operettas on the GWC campus over the past few seasons.

The 35-member Music by the Lake Festival Orchestra, drawn from the summer opera orchestra, joined the singers for this enjoyable concert of Christmas selections.

Before joining Aurora University, Flasch spent 12 years singing leading soprano roles with opera companies nationwide, culminating in eight seasons with the Metropolitan Opera in New York. Her background includes participation in outstanding choirs throughout her formal education, including membership in the first Wisconsin State Honors Choir. 

Aurora University is an inclusive community dedicated to the transformative power of learning. Approximately 4,000 degree-seeking students are enrolled each year on the university’s Illinois and Wisconsin campuses, and the university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association to award degrees at the baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral levels. The George Williams College campus offers 12 academic programs, unique conference facilities, and is home to Music by the Lake and other education and enrichment programs.

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