“For a Blessed Christmas” Performance Dec. 9-10, 2017

Clarke University’s annual “For a Blessed Christmas” concert performances are scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 9, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 10, at 2 p.m. in the Sacred Heart Chapel on the University’s campus.

“For a Blessed Christmas” is a touching portrayal of the Christmas story through a mix of narration and musical performances. This holiday tradition is a favorite in the Dubuque area and features performances by Clarke choirs under the direction of Andrew Alegría, Visiting Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activity and instrumental ensembles under the direction of David Resnick, Instructor of Music and Director of Bands.

“We invite everyone to experience the beauty and wonder of Clarke’s ‘For a Blessed Christmas’,” stated Alegría. “In the retelling of the birth of Christ, concert guests will experience the word of God with deeper meaning through the unity of text and music, as well as real familiar Christmas hymns and tunes from days’ past.”

The special high school choir guest is the Chamber Choir from Beckman Catholic High School in Dyersville, Iowa under the direction of Krystal Smith. The special soloist guest is Dr. Jonathan Ray, a tenor soloist from the Kansas City Lyric Opera.

Dr. Jonathan Ray recently received his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, LA. He has performed with the Kansas City Lyric Opera, the Missouri Symphony, Opera in the Rock, the Natchez Opera Festival, the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra, St. Petersburg Opera in Florida, Opera in the Ozarks, and Greensboro Opera.

His numerous operatic highlights include the principle roles in “Il barbiere di Siviglia,” “Die Entführung aus dem Serail,” and “Albert Herring.” Additionally, Operetta highlights include the lead roles in “The Gondoliers,” “Pirates of Penzance,” “Trial by Jury,” and “Candide.” His musical theater credits include leading roles in Hairspray, Sweeney Todd, Assassins, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, South Pacific, Oklahoma!, and multiple roles in A Little Night Music.

General admission tickets are $15. To purchase tickets, call (563)588-6575 or purchase them online.