"A Heidelberg Christmas at The Ritz," featuring several ensembles and a carol sing-along, returns to The Ritz Theatre at 3 p.m. Sunday. The concert is to include portions of Handel's "Messiah," as has been a long-standing tradition at Heidelberg for more than a century.
"'A Heidelberg Christmas' continues an outstanding holiday tradition, while also continuing our cherished traditions from the past," said John Owen, associate dean and director of the school of music at Heidelberg.
The first half of the two-part concert is to feature holiday music performed by the University Community Chorus, under the direction of Paul Mayhew; the Concert Choir, under the direction of Greg Ramsdell; and the Chamber Winds.
The second half is to include arias and choruses from "Messiah," including the "Hallelujah" chorus.
In between, the audience and performers are to join for a carol sing-along.
Three soloists, along with alumni and the community, are to come together for the "Messiah" portion of the program.
Kimberly States
Performing the soprano solo is to be Heidelberg alumna Kimberly States. Following graduation in 2009, she moved to Boston to pursue a master's degree in music at the New England Conservatory of Music.
While there, she performed in "The Lantern Marriage," "Dido and Aeneas" and "Help, Help the Globolinks."
Additionally, she has been a featured soloist with the Boston Masterworks Chorale, Boston Metro Opera, Boston Opera Collaborative and others. She is a 2012-13 resident artist with the Boston Metro Opera.
Katherine Calcamuggio
The alto soloist is to be Katherine Calcamuggio, who has performed nationwide. She has received top prizes in the Palm Beach Opera, Bel Canto and Shreveport Singer of the Year competitions as well as from the Chicago Women's Musician's Club. Last year, she performed with Grammy-winning instrumental group, eighth blackbird.
Calcamuggio has a master's degree from Northwestern University and a bachelor's degree from Bowling Green State University.
Christopher Scholl
Tenor soloist Christopher Scholl returned to the U.S. after nearly 20 years in Europe, where he enjoyed a career in opera, oratorio and recitals.
He has performed throughout Europe, with an operatic repertoire from the baroque to the 20th century and Broadway.
A member of the voice faculty at Bowling Green State University, Scholl earned a master's degree from the Eastman School of Music and a bachelor's degree from Ithaca College.
Tickets for "Christmas at The Ritz" are $10 for general admission, $8 for senior citizens and $6 for students. They can be purchased by calling (419) 448-8544 or (419) 448-2073. Those singing in the "Messiah" chorus are to be admitted free.
