Holiday Concerts

If there were something I would strongly encourage each one of you to do every Christmas season, it would be this: Attend at least one holiday-themed concert.

On Friday, I not only attended a holiday concert, but was a participant in one. St. Edward's University each year holds its Festival of Lights, an event in which the St. Edward's community comes together to celebrate the coming holiday season. This joyous occasion is week-long beginning with the lighting of a Christmas tree, continuing with a service project, and ending with a night filled with awe-inspiring music.

Now, while this year marked the 29th annual celebration, it was nevertheless new in the content included in the musical show on Friday.

For the first time, an orchestra and a mariachi band were part of the program.

The evening began with an outside ceremony in front of the Main Building, dazzlingly lit with warm, winter-air -clear lights. Various inspirational works, as well as an address by the president of St. Edward's were on the agenda, with a sprinkling of classic holiday songs as "O, Little Town of Bethlehem" and "Silver Bells." At the end of the ceremony, each person was given a candle and from the steps amidst the choir, I witnessed the lighting of candles beginning with a single lit candles and shared to to each neighbor until every person present had a lit candle.

The contrast of the sea of candles and the lightly lit Austin skyline is a sight I wish all could see; it truly is unforgettable.

With all the candles lit, we headed inside, singing "Silent Night" as we walked the three minutes up to the main concert area.

On walking in, guests were greeted with the festive ensemble of St. Edward's jazz band, "Steady." They got the concert underway with some upbeat jazzy tunes, including a snazzy version of "We Wish You a Merry Christmas."

After the jazz band followed the new-to-St. Edward's mariachi group, "Alas de Oro." They sang only two songs, but they were, in my opinion, of the best in the entire concert. I must admit, I have might have a bit of a bias because I, along with every other girl in that room, was swooped off my feet by the talented young man who sang lead and played the guitar.

They ended their segment with the crowd-pleasing "Feliz Navidad," and the St. Edward's Orchestra piled onstage to carry on the festivity. This was my personal favorite of the night because there is nothing like hearing a live rendition of Tchaikovsky's famous Nutcracker songs.
After their breathtaking performance, the final performances of the night, by the various choirs of the University took the stage.

The Omni choir performed the ever-appeasing "Christmas Time" from "A Charlie Brown Christmas," and "Sleigh Ride," always appropriate for any Christmas Occasion.

Next, the St. Edward's University Chorale performed their...interesting choice of songs. I say interesting because they were, while undeniably entertaining, of a different nature.

It should suffice to say that I can't remember the last time I laughed during a concert. Not just laughed, but laughed alone. It didn't help that I was standing in the center of all the choirs. But really! What do you expect when they burst out in a song about a pig's head on a stick!?

The song was called, "The Boar's Head," which is, evidently, a tradition somewhere or another. All I know is when they started singing the line, "The boar's head I hear is the rarest dish in all the land," I lost control of my laughter, and had the hardest time suppressing a fit of giggles. No joke.

After the Chorale's performance, things got back to business. The St. Edward's Madrigals group graced the room with their sweet lullaby about the newborn Christ. However, they didn't end their performance on such a low note; instead, they ended with the most upbeat, make-you-want-to-dance song, "Uncle John," which included the most quizzical array of sounds.

This song was quickly followed by a joint performance by all choirs of "Old King Kong," a song which included the startling surprise of kazoos, which no one expected.

The finale of the concert was undoubtedly the best. A wonderful, breath-taking version of "Oh Holy Night," complete with accompaniment by the orchestra left every person in the room with the pronounced warm feeling of Christmas.

All in all, a wonderful concert. Seriously, go to one of if you can. If you've ever lacked Christmas spirit, this should do the trick.