The Denison University Concert Choir and the Chamber Singers will be joined by the Denison Symphony Orchestra in a performance of Vivaldi's "Gloria" at 7:30 p.m. on Friday (Dec. 8) in Swasey Chapel. Also on the program are several choruses from Handel's "Messiah."

Vocal soloists include: seniors Sydney Andrews (Cleveland Heights), Melissa Nevola (Glenshaw, Pa.), sophomore Brynn Lewallen (Centennial, Colo.), and junior Megan Fetter (Stow). Belinda Andrews-Smith, a member of Denison's music faculty, will join the musicians for "Rejoice Greatly" from Handel's "Messiah."

The conductor of the performance is Bonnie Borshay Sneed. Sneed, an associate professor of music at Denison, has conducted collegiate choirs in five states, taught conducting, voice, music education, and conducted and toured with her choirs overseas. Her degrees are from Furman University (B.M.), Southern Methodist University (M.M.) and Michigan State University (D.M.A.). Dr. Sneed has published in the Choral Journal and with National Music. She has been an adjudicator and served as one of the national judges for collegiate choirs auditioning for ACDA.  Her Carnegie Hall conducting debut will be in March 2007.

Andrews-Smith began her professional career after earning her bachelor of music degree in voice performance from Bowling Green State University. She earned her master's degree and doctorate from Ohio State in the areas of vocal pedagogy, speech and hearing sciences, and vocal performance. Dr. Andrews-Smith has been a member of the Denison faculty since 1998 and leads the Singer's Theatre Workshop. She is a frequent performer with Opera Columbus and the Columbus Light Opera.

Calendar Listing:

CALENDAR LISTING: Denison University, Granville -- Concert Choir, Chamber Singers and Symphony Orchestra present Vivaldi's "Gloria," and choruses from Handel's "Messiah"; 7:30 p.m., Friday (Dec. 8), Swasey Chapel. Free and open to the public. Contact 740-587-6220 to confirm information.

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.

For press inquiries:

Name

Barbara Stambaugh

Position Title

Director, Media Relations

Primary Email

stambaughb@denison.edu

Business Phone

(740) 587-8575