University Presents 50th Annual Noel Night Concert

The University of Scranton Singers, joined by trumpeter Mark Gould, pianist Ron Stabinsky, and harpist Marg Davis will present the 50th annual Noel Night on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017, in the Houlihan-McLean Center (corner of Mulberry St. & Jefferson Ave.). The performance begins at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 6:50 p.m. Carolers from the University Bands will be outside of the building welcoming audience members, and prelude music will begin in the concert hall at 7:05 featuring the university’s String Orchestra and Flute Ensemble. Admission to the evening is free and open to the public, as The University of Scranton's Christmas gift to the community. Seating is available on a first-come, first-seated basis.

The 50-voice mixed choir will perform works chosen by alumni as Noel Night favorites, including works by Britten, Handel, Rorem, Sirett, Tavener, and others. Rev. Herbert B. Keller, S.J., Interim President, will welcome the audience with a Christmas message. During the course of the performance, the Nativity Martyrology, Prologue to the Gospel of St. John, and St. Luke Nativity Narrative will be read by Dr. Joseph H. Dreisbach, Dr. Harold W. Baillie, and Dr. Leonard G. Gougeon. The program will conclude with a finale in which the Singers and Chamber Orchestra will be joined on Nelhybel’s “Estampie Natalis” by alumni representing Singers from throughout the decades, introduced with remarks by Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., president-elect.