Las Vegas, N.M. – The Highlands University Concert Choir presents The Christel García Memorial Concert Nov. 12 at 6 p.m. at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church at 403 Valencia St.
The concert features the well-known work of three of the most famed composers of the 18th and 19th centuries, including Camille Saint-Saëns’ Christmas Oratorio and works from George Frideric Handel and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
“This concert includes some of the most majestic and powerful music presented by this three revered composers,” said Andre García-Nuthmann, director of Highlands’ choral and vocal program. “I know the audience will be swept away by the beauty of this classical music.”
García-Nuthmann directs the Concert Choir performance. The concert is dedicated to the memory of his mother, Christel García, who died Feb. 5, 2017.
“My mother was an avid choral member for most of her life and this concert includes some of her favorite pieces,” García-Nuthmann said.
Franz Vote is the guest conductor for the concert. Vote is the musical director and conductor for the New Mexico Bach Society Chorale and Orchestra. He is a renowned conductor who was previously with the Metropolitan Opera in New York City and the Seattle Opera, among others.
“Franz Vote is one of the most inspirational, knowledgeable and yet humble musicians I have ever had the honor to work with. Maestro Vote has said often that he loves working with the Highlands choirs because they are well prepared, enthusiastic, and enjoy following his leadership,” García-Nuthmann said.
The New Mexico Chamber Orchestra will accompany the Concert Choir.
The concert begins with Handel’s Zadok the Priest, one of his coronation anthems. Next on the program is Mozart’s Missa brevis in D, a musical setting of a Roman Catholic mass.
Nine movements from Saint-Saëns’ Christmas Oratorio are next. The vocal soloists include Highlands music student Elena Chavez, mezzo-soprano; Esther Moses Bergh, alto; Jennifer Perez, soprano; Highlands music alumnus Carlos Archuleta, bass; and García-Nuthmann, tenor.
The Highlands University Concert Choir is composed of Highlands University faculty, students, and staff, as well as community members.
Tickets for The Christel García Memorial Concert are $10. The concert is free for students with valid IDs. A portion of the proceeds will support the Our Lady of Sorrows 1885 Kilgen Pipe Organ Fund.
“Through the efforts of Bonnie Bolton and her committee, this priceless historic organ is being restored. We are delighted to help support this important project,” García-Nuthmann said.