SFSU Public Affairs Press Release Published by the Public Affairs Office at San Francisco State University, Diag Center.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Ariane Bicho
phone: (415) 338-1442

Programs include Handel's Judas Maccabeus, Candlelight Christmas and 5th Annual Songs of the Season

SAN FRANCISCO-San Francisco State University's choral artists offer local audiences a series of musical treats during three holiday concerts. First, a special Hanukkah celebration features Handel's masterpiece Judas Maccabeus performed by University Chorus, Women's Chorus, orchestra and guest artists, Sunday, December 2 at 4 pm in San Francisco's Temple Emanu-El. Next, the University Chorus, Women's Chorus and Chamber Singers present seasonal music at the 5th Annual Songs of the Season, Sunday, December 9 at 5 pm in Saint Anne of the Sunset Church, San Francisco. The Chamber Singers close the holiday series with an SFSU audience favorite: Candlelight Christmas, Friday, December 14 at 8 pm in San Francisco's Most Holy Redeemer Church.

The holiday concerts are as follows:

Judas Maccabeus

On Sunday, December 2 at 4 pm, SFSU University Chorus, Women's Chorus and Handel Jubilate Orchestra invite you to join a Hanukkah celebration featuring Handel's great oratorio, Judas Maccabeus. Written as a celebration of religious freedom, the work is performed at Temple Emanu-El in memory of the late Ludwig Altman, the temple's former cantor. In this musical masterpiece, conductor and SFSU music professor Joshua Habermann directs both choruses and guest soloists Rosalyn Barak, soprano, Elspeth Franks, mezzosoprano, and David Newman, baritone. Temple EmanuEl is located at Lake and Arguello streets in San Francisco. Admission is free.

5th Annual Songs of the Season

Seasonal music of many traditions for a cappella and accompanied chorus is sung by the 130 members of the SFSU University Chorus, Women's Chorus and Chamber Singers during 5th Annual Songs of the Season, Sunday, December 9 at 5 pm. Under the direction of conductors and SFSU music professors Alissa Deeter and Joshua Habermann, the program features works by Handel, Rossi, Handl and Hawley including Renaissance motets, spirituals, traditional holiday carols and audience sing-alongs. Guest organist Jeffrey Jubenville accompanies the groups at Saint Anne of the Sunset Church, 850 Judah Street at 14th Avenue, San Francisco. Admission is $12 for the general public and $8 for students and seniors. For advance tickets, call the Creative Arts Box Office at (415) 338-2467.

Candlelight Christmas

An SFSU audience favorite, the Chamber Singers presents Candlelight Christmas, an intimate candlelit evening of a capella Christmas music in the beautiful acoustics of Most Holy Redeemer Church, Friday, December 14 at 8 pm. Featured works include Hugo Distler's haunting Es ist ein Ros' Entsprungen as well as traditional American spirituals, Latin American pieces, and Renaissance motets. The church is located at Diamond and 18th streets, San Francisco. Admission is $15 for the general public and $10 for students and seniors. For advance tickets, call the Creative Arts Box Office at (415) 338-2467.

SFSU, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132
Last modified April 24, 2007, by Office of Public Affairs