(Posted December 1, 2003)


HUNTINGDON--Performing its annual fall concert, the Juniata College Choral Union will sing ?Messe Di Minuit Pour Noel? by composer Marc-Antoine Charpentier and other choral works from around the world at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 9 in Rosenberger Auditorium in Oller Hall on the Juniata College campus.

The concert is free and open to the public.

Russell Shelley, Elma Stine Heckler Associate Professor of Music at Juniata College and chair of the music department, will conduct the performance. Guest artists Centre Brass also will perform at the concert.

The Choral Union will perform numerous Christmas-themed compositions from around the world. Some of these pieces include ?The First Noel,? ?Star Carol,? ?Once as I Remember,? and ?In Dulci Jubilo.?

The highlight of the concert will be the ensemble?s performance of Charpentier?s ?Messe Di Minuit Pour Noel,? translated as ?Midnight Mass for Christmas.? Accompanied by a string quartet, this piece is a Baroque work, which has a brisk dance feel and uses Renaissance carol melodies.

Marc-Antoine Charpentier (1645-1704) was considered to be the most important French composer of his time. During his life, he wrote different works including operas, oratorios, and 11 masses.

The Choral Union is the largest ensemble at Juniata with student membership of more than 90 and more than 50 members from communities in the Huntingdon area. The Juniata Choral Union traditionally performs larger choral works.

The Centre Brass, which will play brass quintet and accompany various songs throughout the entire concert, is directed by Herb McKinstry, lecturer in music at Juniata.

Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.