Carols & Cocoa will bring cheer

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Youngstown State University’s Carols & Cocoa concert will be performed in the grand ballroom of Stambaugh Auditorium, 1000 Fifth Ave., at 7 p.m. Dec. 5. The annual event, which first took place more than 30 years ago, will feature seasonal music favorites, culminating in a holiday sing-along.

Dana School of Music students bring cookies to share, and complimentary coffee and cocoa, sponsored by Sheetz, will be available.

Featured groups are: Trombone Ensemble, directed by Michael Crist; Dana Clarinet Ensemble, directed by Alice Wang; Dana Early Music Ensemble, directed by Randall Goldberg; Dana Flute Ensemble, directed by Kathryn Umble; University Chorus, Women’s Chorus, Dana Chorale and the Stambaugh Chorus, directed by Hae-Jong Lee.

After a brief intermission, guests are invited upstairs to the Stambaugh concert hall where the Dana Holiday Concert will be presented featuring Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, Final Movement — “Ode to Joy” — performed by the Dana Symphonic Choir, Stambaugh Chorus and Dana Symphony Orchestra, all directed by John Wilcox and under the baton of Hae-Jong Lee. Guest soloists include soprano Misook Yun, mezzo soprano Rachael Pavloski, tenor Bill Ambert and baritone Max Pivik.

Guest ensembles will include the Howland High School Chamber Choir, directed by Anjanette Depoy, and the Stambaugh Chorus. Additionally, the Dana Brass Quintet, directed by Stacie Mickens; YSU Jazz Ensemble I, directed by David Morgan; and YSU Wind Ensemble, directed by Stephen Gage will participate. Organist Kathy Miller will provide an organ solo on the pipe organ.

Tickets, which are all general admission, may be purchased in advance at the Stambaugh Auditorium box office, in person or by phone at 330-259-0555; or online at stambaughauditorium.com. Tickets also will be available that evening. Ticket prices are $10 for adults, $5 for students, senior citizens, and YSU faculty and staff with a valid YSU ID. The event is free for children under 12 and YSU students with a valid YSU ID.

For information, call 330-941-3636.