The University of Rhode Island music department hosted its second annual Holiday Extravaganza, featuring holiday music performances celebrating both Christmas and Hanukkah.
The performance was held at the concert hall in the Fine Arts Center on Saturday with showtimes at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
The extravaganza featured a wide array of musical ensembles from the university. Including both the wind and guitar ensembles and the URI Concert Choir. A highlight of the event was a musical adaptation of Dr. Seuss’s classic “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” with narration provided by Valerie Tutson, according to David Gilliland, the event’s creative director.
In a new development this year, the music department has added a matinee show to make the event more accessible.
“We wanted to accommodate families with young children and seniors who might prefer an earlier performance time,” Gilliland said.
For those who were unable to attend in person, the event was live-streamed on the music department’s YouTube channel, according to Gilliland.
For Gilliland, the inclusive nature of the program is an important aspect of what the concert brings to the table.
“We’re featuring a diverse range of holiday traditions, including Christmas and Hanukkah, with the aim of representing various cultures and religious backgrounds,” Gilliland said. “It’s important to us that our performance reflects the diversity of our community.”
Louis Shriber, a fourth-year student performer who participated in the event, shared his enthusiasm after the event.
“I’d say we get better every year,” Shriber said, “every year we’re working towards improving our sound and cohesion as an ensemble.”
The event also serves as a crucial fundraiser for the music department, highlighting the quality and depth of their program, according to Gilliland.
The preparation for this year’s extravaganza has not been without challenges. The ongoing construction at the Fine Arts Center has limited available space and required careful planning, according to Gilliland.
“We’ve had to be creative with our rehearsal and performance spaces,” Gilliland said. “It’s been a test of our adaptability, but I’m proud of how our students and faculty have risen to the challenge.”
Shriber also expressed a few challenges that came with the performance.
“Just knowing when to get on and off stage, knowing where to go and at what time is always a bit confusing,” Shriber said, “But, I’ve got great professors and faculty members that are helping out.”
The music department at URI continues to grow, according to Gilliland. He said that this was more than just a concert for them, it was a chance for them to display their talents to the public in a fun and inclusive way.
“Our ensembles are getting bigger and deeper,” Gilliland said. “This is a concert that I think is fun for both the audience and the performers.”
Gilliland mentioned that his favorite part of the performance was the sheer amount of talent on stage at one time. He described it as a powerful experience watching all the performers make music together.
Similarly, Shriber’s favorite part of the performance was having everybody on stage at once while performing the musical rendition of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”
For more information on what’s next for the URI Department of Music visit their eventbrite page.