Seton Hall Tradition Continues with Virtual Lessons and Carols  

Virtual choir projects allow the University Chorus and Chamber Choir to continue to perform music together.

The Seton Hall University Chorus and Chamber Choir, within the College of Communication and the Arts and its Arts Council, will present Lessons and Carols, an annual performance of choir anthems and Christmas carols on Friday, Dec. 18 from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Under the direction of Jason Tramm, D.M.A., assistant professor and director of choral activities, this ecumenical service, rooted in the great English choral tradition, combines scripture readings of the advent Christmas season as well as solos, virtual choir projects and a piece from the University Orchestra.

"We're thankful for this chance to come together, to lift up our voices—and our minds and hearts—in grateful and hopeful praise," said Father Colin Kay, interim vice president for Mission and Ministry, who will lead the scripture reading during the event.

These performances come after a semester of rehearsals held via Microsoft Teams and virtual choir recordings. The University Chorus members also studied the African American Spiritual as a genre, looking at its roots in slavery in the 1600s as well as its relevance today. Kenneth Overton, an opera singer and renowned concert artist whose recent recording was just nominated for three Grammy Awards, spoke as a guest lecturer about his international career and how Spirituals remain an important part of his musical heritage. Overton also sang alongside the University Chorus as a guest soloist in "Hush Someone is Calling my Name" during the recent Virtual Winter Concert. The performance can be viewed here.

"Despite the many challenges presented in the fall of 2020, I was proud of my students who continued to study, engage with and make music," said Tramm. "It is so easy to let the challenges overcome us, but I think that is part of Seton Hall's motto 'Hazard Zet Forward,' that in these times it is incumbent upon us to be creative, find ways to engage and to find relevancy."

To watch Lessons and Carols, tune in on Friday, December 18 at 7:30 p.m.

Categories: Arts and Culture