Waukesha Choral Union Announces Christmas Concerts

The Waukesha Choral Union, Ernest Brusubardis III music director, presents “Lessons and Carols.” These concerts are comprised of traditional carols, holiday favorites, and an audience sing-along. Performances are scheduled for Friday, December 7, 2012, 8:00 p.m. at St. Luke’s Church in Waukesha, and on Sunday, December 9, 2012, 3:00 p.m. at St. Catherine’s Church in Oconomowoc. Admission is $15 for adults, $13 for seniors/students, $4 children 11 and under. Tickets are available from all Waukesha Choral Union members, any Waukesha State Bank location, online at http://www.ChoralUnion.org, or by phone at 414-297-9310.

“‘Lessons and Carols,’ presented in two beautiful church settings, provides a wonderful way to celebrate Christmas,” said Brusubardis. “Sing-a-longs, carols, and songs from cultures around the world, interspersed with readings, will encourage us all into the spirit of the holidays and to live it as well.”

Selections to be performed include “The Holly and the Ivy,” “Kling Glöckchen!” “The Danish Star Carol,” “Stille Nacht,” and “Betelehemu” a Nigerian carol. The audience will be invited to sing along on “O Come All Ye Faithful” and “Hark the Herald Angels Sing.”

“Lessons and Carols” is part of the Waukesha Choral Union’s 2012-2013 season of concerts, “Spirit of Creativity.” Upcoming performances include:

A GIFT TO THE COMMUNITY: HANDEL’S MESSIAH
Sunday, March 17, 2013 3:00 p.m.
Shattuck Auditorium, Carroll University
For nearly three decades, Waukesha Choral Union’s “Messiah” has invited community members to participate in a few rehearsals, culminating in a grand performance with orchestra and soloists in Carroll University's Shattuck Auditorium. In true Handelian tradition, this performance is underwritten by area businesses and patrons to provide a free concert to the public.

SOMETHING OLD & SOMETHING NEW
Saturday, May 4, 2013, 8:00 p.m.
Shattuck Auditorium, Carroll University
Waukesha Choral Union has commissioned its first choral work from area composer Paula Foley Tillen to be premiered at this concert. The text is based on the poetry of Abby Lewis, winner of the Choral Union’s Waukesha county student writing competition. Student works of visual art inspired by Abby's poetry will be on display for this world premiere performance.

Ernest Brusubardis III, Artistic Director of the Waukesha Choral Union, is a graduate of UW Milwaukee with the Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Music and the Master’s Degree in Music Education with an emphasis on choral conducting. His other choral directorships include the advanced ensembles of Hartford Union High School and the Brusubardis-Dzimente Latvian Choir, a podium he shares with his father. His expertise in this latter pursuit has earned him the chief conductorship of Latvian Song Festivals in the United States, Canada, and Latvia. As a music theater enthusiast, he conducts the orchestra for the annual productions at Hartford Union High School and boasts a record as music director for community theater productions throughout Southeastern Wisconsin.

Waukesha Choral Union has been musically active in the community for over 60 years. WCU was featured in WISN-TV’s “Season to Celebrate” broadcast during Christmas of 2011. Originally a combination of Carroll College students and community singers, it took its present form as an auditioned choir in 1978. Waukesha Choral Union derives its strength and quality from its members’ passion for singing and is always seeking new voices. Auditions are held by appointment. Recent collaborative partners include the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Oconomowoc Chamber Orchestra, Bel Canto Chorus, Milwaukee Choristers, Carroll University Choirs, and the choirs of Waukesha South High School, Muskego High School, and Hartford Union High School. For more information visit http://www.choralunion.org.