"An Evening with Johann Sebastian Bach," the third of Denison University's contributions to the worldwide observation of the 250th anniversary of the composer's death, will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday (Dec. 3) in Swasey Chapel. The Concert Choir with orchestra will play a number of seasonal favorites at this concert, which is free and open to the public. Distinguished Professor of Fine Arts William Osborne will conduct.

The orchestra will begin the evening with "Suite in D major," which includes the memorable "Air on the G String." A majestic overture is followed by a series of shorter movements, most of them dance-like in character. The choir will be joined by a quartet of soloists for "Cantata No. 63," ("Christians, Etch This Day"), probably heard for the first time on Christmas Day in 1714. It celebrates Christmas in a grand fashion, with brilliant choruses at both the beginning and end. The colorful, energetic "Magnificat in D major," one of Bach's best-known choral works closes the concert. Initially presented at his first Christmas in Leipzig, it is one of Bach's most frequently heard works.

Soprano Belinda Andrews-Smith, mezzo-soprano Diane Pulte, tenor Matt Pittman and baritone Wade Thomas are soloists for this Concert Choir presentation, which opens the Choir's 108th season.

Smith has studied at the Ohio State University and is the coordinator of vocal studies and director of the Singers Theatre Workshop at Denison. She has performed with the Columbus Light Opera and Opera/Columbus. Pulte, a graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University and North Texas State University, is presently a doctoral candidate at Ohio State. She has also appeared with the Columbus Light Opera, Opera/Columbus and the Texas Bach Society.

Pittman has studied at Rice University and Ohio State University. He is a member of the Kenyon College voice faculty and has been actively involved with the Cleveland Opera's outreach program. He has apprenticed with the Opera Theatre of St. Louis, Chautauqua Opera, and Brevard Music Center. Thomas, a graduate of Samford University, is a graduate student at Ohio State University and serves as a soloist at the First Congregational Church in Columbus.

Osborne serves as Denison's director of choral organizations and University organist.

About Denison:

Denison University, founded in 1831, is an independent, residential liberal arts institution located in Granville, Ohio. A highly selective college enrolling 2,100 full-time undergraduate students from all 50 states and dozens of foreign countries, Denison is a place where innovative faculty and motivated students collaborate in rigorous scholarship, civic engagement and the cultivation of independent thinking.

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