As part of the school’s yearlong symposium, “A Celebration of Appalachia,” the Masterworks Christmas performance will take place in BC’s Harman Chapel. The event is open and free to the public.
Featuring not only music about Appalachia and by Appalachians, but also sounds and instruments from the region, “Christmas in Appalachia” will include a collection of pieces titled “Appalachian Carols” by arranger and orchestrator Larry Moore. “Appalachian Carols” contains hymn and folk music from the region, as well as Moore’s rendition of John Jacob Niles’ classic ballad, “I Wonder as I Wander.”
Other selections on the program will include Niles’ arrangements of hymns from Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee and original compositions by Sheldon Curry and Phillip Rhodes.
Masterworks, comprised of voices from the college and community at-large, will be accompanied by pianist Lisa Moxley and harpist Laurel Thompson. Musicians on fiddle, guitar, electric cello, string bass, and percussion will provided additional accompaniment with an Appalachian flair.
“This concert will be a great way to not only enjoy music from Appalachia, but also to begin the Advent season with some fun and worshipful songs,” said Dr. Barbara Hudson, assistant professor of music and director of Masterworks Chorale.
“Christmas in Appalachia” is a part of Bluefield College’s “Celebration of Appalachia.” Designed to celebrate the history, culture, people and traditions of the region, events in the yearlong symposium — including lectures, concerts, exhibits, discussions, movies, theatre, field trips, and other educational and entertaining activities — are open to the campus community and community at-large.
In addition to the Masterworks performance, other symposium events scheduled and confirmed include:
— “Appalachian News,” an art show presented by the Bluefield Daily Telegraph’s Bill Archer, December 9-February 16, BC Art Gallery, Lansdell Hall
— “African American Influences on Music of the Appalachian Region,” a concert by Bill Archer and Karl Miller, Thursday, January 26 at 7 p.m. in BC’s Quick Shott Café Coffeehouse, Shott Hall.
For more information on the Masterworks concert or “A Celebration of Appalachia,” visit the symposium web page, or contact the BC Office of Public Relations by e-mail at [email protected]