Annual UW Collegiate Chorale Candlelight Concert Dec. 6

“The Deepening Light” is the theme for the University of Wyoming Collegiate Chorale’s popular candlelight concert Friday, Dec. 6, and Saturday, Dec. 7, at 7:30 p.m. at Laramie’s St. Matthew’s Cathedral.

Tickets cost $20 for the public and $10 for students and senior citizens. Tickets are available at the Buchanan Center for the Performing Arts box office and the Wyoming Union information desk, by calling (307) 766-6666, or going online at www.uwyo.edu/finearts.

Because this popular holiday concert is always a sellout, people are advised to purchase tickets early, says Nicole Lamartine, UW’s director of choral activities. Seating is general admission, with doors opening at 7 p.m.

This year, the select choir is joined by two special guests: pianist Tim Ribner, who has arranged choral pieces especially for this performance, and guitarist Jeff Selden.

The program includes a variety of music from many spiritual traditions to highlight themes of sharing, giving, healing, peace and strengthening community. Members of the choir also will offer their own poetry.

“For me, ‘deepening light’ is all about juxtaposition. How can light become deeper?” Lamartine says. “But the colors and awareness can become deeper as we engage our awareness. Like sunset, the light becomes darker and deeper, and we transition into a different awareness.”

The program features a Sanskrit mantra for light, peace and truth, “Gamaya.” Providing moments of stillness is a poignant setting of “There is No Rose” by Don MacDonald. Interwoven throughout the program are moments of familiar music that surprise and connect, Lamartine says. Following tradition, the concert concludes with candlelight illuminating the church, with attendees singing “Silent Night.”

A jazz specialist, Ribner also will provide improvisations and preconcert music.

Ribner, from Portland, Oregon, is a collaborative pianist, composer, improviser, educator and sound enthusiast, who has collaborated with singers, instrumentalists and dancers from around the world. He is particularly inspired by the engagement and empowerment of young people.

He has worked with the National Dance Institute in New York City; served as musical director of Celebrate the Beat; taught at the PHAME Academy in Portland; and provided choral accompaniment for Portland Public Schools.

Lamartine leads the UW Collegiate Chorale, the UW Singing Statesmen and the Happy Jacks. She also teaches conducting and studio voice.

Her choirs have performed at several national and regional conferences, and she is a recognized expert in females conducting male choirs. An active performer, she has sung with Conspirare, the Santa Fe Desert Chorale and Colorado Bach Ensemble.

For more information, call Lamartine at (307) 288-0042 or email choir@uwyo.edu.