UVic music gears up for holidays

Seven concerts in four days for UVic's music department

Eugene Dowling, conductor of the Tuba Christmas performance on Dec. 3 in Market Square.

Eugene Dowling, conductor of the Tuba Christmas performance on Dec. 3 in Market Square.

It’s a busy time of year for the University of Victoria music department, with a variety of performances that offer a little something for everyone.

On Dec. 1 at 8 p.m., the Don Wright Symphonic Winds present Legends, featuring Holst’s Second Suite in F and Lyric Essay by Donald Coakley. The show is at the Farquhar Auditorium on the UVic campus. Tickets cost $17.50 or $13.50.

The School of Music Chamber Singers will perform as part of their Fridaymusic series on Dec. 2 at 12:30 p.m., at the Phillip T. Young Recital Hall. Admission is by donation.

For those looking to get into the holiday spirit, Tuba Christmas returns for its 33rd year Dec. 3 from 1 to 3 p.m. in Market Square. This year’s event honours the memory of Harvey Phillips, who created the annual event. The performance is free, but donations will be accepted for the Times Colonist Christmas Fund. A reprise of the show will be held on Dec. 4 at 2:30 p.m. in the Phillip T. Young Recital Hall. Admission is by donation, with proceeds going to local tuba and euphonium projects.

Also on Dec. 3, the UVic Chorus and Orchestra present Orient Express, featuring works by Borodin, Mozart and Rachmaninoff. The show goes at 8 p.m. at the Farquhar Auditorium. Tickets are $17.50 or $13.50.

The busy schedule is rounded out by a pair of performances on Dec. 4. The UVic Philomela Women’s Choir will sing a collection of carols and sacred settings both old and new in its Songs of the Spirit concert, 2:30 p.m. at St. Aidan’s United Church, 3703 St. Aidan’s St. Tickets cost $10 in advance, $12 at the door.

And at 8 p.m., the UVic Chamber Singers present A Baroque Christmas!, featuring works by Bach, Purcell and Vivaldi. Admission to this show, held at the Phillip T. Young Recital Hall, is by donation.

Tickets for all UVic concerts can be reserved at the University Centre Box Office (250-721-8480) or online at www.tickets.uvic.ca/tickets.

Concerts at the Farquhar Auditorium are free for students with valid ID if reserved at least 48 hours in advance, or $5 at the door.

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Victoria News