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A Boulder holiday tradition returns to Macky Auditorium for its 37th year this weekend. The College of Music puts on four performances Friday through Sunday and, for many, officially ushers in the holiday season.

Artistic Director Gregory Gentry says the Holiday Festival also represents the one time every year when faculty and students from across departments perform together in the same concert. This year features performances by the Women’s Chorus and voice faculty soloists; and, of course, the collaboration between the Holiday Festival Orchestra and Chorus.

But Gentry says there’ll be something for everyone. “This year we’ll hear performances by the jazz students and faculty,” he says. “The combo and John Gunther are playing two pieces, including a piece, and that’s very exciting.”

And even if you attend every year, Gentry says you should make time between shopping and decorating to attend a performance at Macky.

“Every year, we put a new twist on the program, and this year we’ll feature a men’s acapella quartet. Acapella music is very popular right now, so that should be a great addition,” says Gentry. “It’s truly a showcase of the outstanding student and faculty performers we have here, and it’s a magical experience.” The concert will also feature music from popular films “Home Alone” and “Frozen.”

The program includes traditional Christmas carols and the audience will be invited to join in during the “Hallelujah” chorus from Handel’s “Messiah,” but Gentry says the Holiday Festival isn’t just a celebration of the Christmas season. “We include many different holiday traditions, whether it be Hanukkah, Christmas or the Solstice.”  

An hour before the performances begin on stage, the audience will be serenaded by carolers in the lobby and the brass and percussion ensembles in the opera boxes.

Gentry says what makes the Holiday Festival special is that it’s the beginning of the holiday season for many in the Boulder area. “A lot of people have told me that it’s how they officially kick off the days ahead. It’s an uplifting start to the holidays and it’s such a privilege to be in a position to bring that to people.”

2015 College of Music Holiday Festival

All performances at Macky Auditorium, and tickets are $15 and up. Holiday Festival revenues benefit the CU Music Scholarship Fund; no discounts are available for these performances.

While the Dec. 5 and Dec. 6 matinee performances are sold out, tickets remain for the following performances:

Friday, Dec. 4, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m.