NASHVILLE, TN (12/17/2013)(readMedia)-- More than 800 Belmont University student musicians, singers and faculty along with the Nashville Children's Choir perform in the nationally televised airing of "Christmas at Belmont." Hosted by internationally renowned mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves, the annual production of traditional carols, classical masterworks, world music and light-hearted seasonal favorites, produced by Nashville Public Television (NPT), will premiere on NPT on Thurs., Dec. 19 at 8 p.m. Central. The nationwide premiere on PBS is scheduled for Fri., Dec. 20 at 9 p.m. Central, with an encore broadcast Christmas Eve at 7 p.m. Central. This is the 11th consecutive year "Christmas at Belmont" has been seen by a national audience on PBS.
Student performers appearing on the broadcast include the following:
Kathleen Walter of Bettendorf (52722)
Kellen Moss of Eldridge (52748)
This year's edition of "Christmas at Belmont" features the University Symphony Orchestra, Belmont Chorale, Percussion Ensemble, Musical Theatre, Jazz Band and Bluegrass Ensemble, as well as mass choir. The performance includes both classic sacred holiday music such as "Ave Maria" and "My Lord Has Come," as well as festive seasonal songs such as "Go Tell It On the Mountain," "On This Winter's Night" and "We Need a Little Christmas," to name a few.
"'Christmas at Belmont' is an amazing opportunity to showcase Belmont University's world-class School of Music in front of a national audience," said Belmont University President Bob Fisher. "We're incredibly grateful that this partnership with NPT puts our talented students and faculty in living rooms across the country."
"We're always thrilled to bring Nashville to the nation, and the 'Christmas at Belmont' production is one of the finest examples of this," said Beth Curley, president and CEO of NPT. "Belmont's School of Music is world class, exemplary of the city's dedication to music and performance in all of its forms and genres. 'Christmas at Belmont' is always magnificent and a highlight of PBS' holiday programming."
Ranked No. 7 in the Regional Universities South category and named for the fifth consecutive year as one of the top "Up-and-Comer" universities by U.S. News & World Report, Belmont University consists of approximately 6,900 students who come from every state and more than 25 countries. Committed to being a leader among teaching universities, Belmont brings together the best of liberal arts and professional education in a Christian community of learning and service. The university's purpose is to help students explore their passions and develop their talents to meet the world's needs. With more than 80 areas of study, 22 master's programs and five doctoral degrees, there is no limit to the ways Belmont University can expand an individual's horizon. For more information, visit www.belmont.edu.
