The Susan and John Sykes Ars Sonora, a 105-foot bell tower at The University of Tampa, will make its holiday debut before and after the 11th annual holiday concert, Let Heaven and Nature Sing: A Holiday Celebration, on Sunday, Dec. 4, at 2 and 4 p.m.
The concert will be held in the Sykes Chapel and Center for Faith and Values. But, the Ars Sonora, which sits adjacent to the Sykes Chapel, will be played immediately before and after the concert. The 63-bell structure is considered the most sophisticated musical sculpture of its type in the world.
The event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. Doors open 30 minutes before the performances.
The program includes seasonal music and readings, and the audience will have the opportunity to sing along with several selections, including “O Come All Ye Faithful,” “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” and “Joy to the World.”
Ryan Hebert, chair of UT’s music department and associate professor of music, director of choral studies and University organist, said the holiday concert will be extra special this year with the addition of the Ars Sonora.
“This year will feature our campus’ latest musical crown jewel, the Ars Sonora, and I can’t be more thrilled to have people hear it,” Hebert said.
Hebert will conduct UT’s Chamber Singers and Camerata Singers. The concert will also include a brass ensemble comprised of local professional trumpet players Jay DeDon and Stacey Jones, Brandon McDannald, assistant professor of music, on the French horn, and Stan Wilkerson, part-time music faculty, on trombone. Jess Ridgeway of the Punta Gorda Symphony will play the timpani, and the organist will be Josh Cessna, UT staff pianist and Ars Sonora curator. Cessna will also perform on the Ars Sonora.
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