Las Vegas, N.M. – The Highlands University Concert Choir presents a Country Chorale concert Nov. 4 at 3 p.m. in the university’s historic Ilfeld Auditorium at 900 University Ave.
Some of the musical selections include “America the Beautiful,” “Cotton Eye Joe,” “Red River Valley,” “Your Cheatin’ Heart,” “I Saw the Light,” “Pray for Peace,” and “Happy Trails.”
“This concert focuses on country music, gospel and American folk songs,” said Andre García-Nuthmann, director of Highlands’ choral and vocal program. “I think the audience will love this spirited variety of popular pieces.”
García-Nuthmann will conduct the concert. Highlands music faculty member Edward Harrington will accompany on bass, Em Krall is the pianist, Michael Campbell is the percussionist, and Bruce Holmes plays saxophone.
Cierra Gomez, Highlands University vocal performance sophomore and an alto, will solo in “Jolene,” “Forever Country” and “Pray for Peace.”
Other vocal soloists for the concert include tenor John Loehr in “Wondrous Love,” and Werner Muller, a baritone, in “Just a Closer Walk With Thee.”
“The soloists for this concert are doing a tremendous job preparing for the concert. Our student soloist, Cierra Gomez, is the consummate performer and can sing any genre. The quality of her voice is stunning,” García-Nuthmann said.
Dominque Gallegos, a Highlands music major sophomore and violinist, will be the instrumental soloist for “Steal Away.”
“Dominique is a new transfer student, and I’m honored she’s sharing her talent with us in this concert,” García-Nuthmann.
Other music for the concert includes “Hey, Good Lookin’,” “Cool Water,” and “Ghost Riders in the Sky.”
The Highlands University Concert Choir is composed of Highlands University faculty, students, and staff, as well as community members.
“Our Concert Choir is a top notch group of excellent musicians. They always deliver a stellar performance,” García-Nuthmann said.
General admission tickets for the Concert Chorale concert are $5. The concert is free for Highlands students, faculty and staff with valid IDs.