Arts and Entertainment

WPSU's Winterfest concert brings songs of the season to campus

The holiday season will be in full swing on Saturday, Dec. 10 when the Penn State School of Music choral group Essence of Joy and community choral group Essence 2 take the stage for WPSU’s "Winterfest ’11: Our Gift in Song" at the Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel.

From 7:15-9 p.m., Essence of Joy and Essence 2 will take guests on a musical journey through the sacred and secular music of African and African-American traditions.

“The performance will be a fusion of many musical styles from the African-American culture,” said Anthony Leach, director and founder of Essence of Joy. “The ensembles will perform a mix of traditional and contemporary music and will be accompanied by a live orchestra.”

Penn State Public Broadcasting will broadcast "Winterfest ’11: Our Gift in Song" on WPSU-FM starting at 7:30 p.m. Audience members must be seated in President's Hall by 7:15 p.m. Ticketholders arriving after 7:30 p.m. will be seated at the first available music break.

“This event will be streamed live so you can go anywhere in the world and listen to the beautiful performances,” said Jo Lash, WPSU volunteer and event chairperson. “Broadcasting ‘Our Gift in Song’ gives the people who are unable to attend the performance the best of both worlds.”

"Winterfest ’11: Our Gift in Song" is a new fundraiser for Penn State Public Broadcasting.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Essence of Joy. Since its founding in November 1991, Essence of Joy has performed on both national and international stages including tours of Poland, the Czech Republic and South Africa.

Tickets can be purchased at http://wpsu.org/events/winterfest with credit card or at the door. Tickets cost $20 for adults and $5 for ages 18 and under and students with a Penn State ID.

WPSU Credit: Penn StateCreative Commons

Last Updated December 6, 2011

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