Las Vegas, N.M. – The Highlands University Department of Music presents two concerts in November featuring jazz and Christmas songs.
The Highlands University Jazz Ensemble performs Nov. 13 a 7 p.m. in the Student Union Building Ballroom, 800 National Ave.
The Highlands Madrigal Choir performs “Canciones de Navidad y Amor,” Songs of Christmas and Love, Nov. 15 at 3 p.m. in Ilfeld Auditorium, 900 University Ave.
Ticket prices for both concerts are $5. Highlands University students with valid IDs are free.
The Jazz Ensemble will perform pieces such as Amazing Grace, Blue Moon, and Fly Me to the Moon. Also featured are Latin jazz pieces like Que Suave and the modern jazz of Charlie Parker.
Edward Harrington directs the Jazz Ensemble. Music faculty member Kevin Zoernig is the pianist and co-director for the concert.
“We’re happy to feature some graduating seniors in this concert including Amor Romero on saxophone and piano, as well as Kevin Baca on guitar and piano,” Harrington said. “Featured on trumpet are former music students Dennis Montaño and Matt Martínez. Dennis enlisted in the U.S. Army and is in its music program.”
Andre García-Nuthmann, director of the Highlands choral and vocal program, will conduct “Canciones de Navidad y Amor.” Linda King, concert pianist and music faculty member, is the accompanist.
“This Madrigal Choir concert is a celebration for the holidays,” García Nuthmann said. “The choir will sing Spanish Christmas songs ranging from the Renaissance to traditional Northern New Mexico pieces.
“The second half of the program includes two Spanish love songs and five beautiful and unique Hebrew love songs that are rarely performed. All the pieces will be sung in either Latin, Spanish or Hebrew,” García-Nuthmann said.
Vocal soloists for the Madrigal Choir include music students Karlis de Marco, Daniel Torres, and Jaylene García. Community member John Loehr is also a vocal soloist.
Guest accompanists for the Madrigal Choir concert include Michael Campbell on percussion and Monica Ruiz Marquez on violin.