Christmas in the Caribbean with The University Singers December 15, 2012

Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College continues its 2012-2013 World Stages series with Christmas in the Caribbean with The University Singers. Always a favorite at Brooklyn Center, Jamaica’s cultural ambassadors return with a joyous holiday program on Saturday, December 15, 2012 at 8pm. Tickets are $45/$36 (orchestra/mezzanine), and can be purchased by phone at 718-951-4500 (Tues-Sat, 1pm-6pm), or online at www.BrooklynCenterOnline.org.

This year's show will include a mix of Christmas music, Caribbean rhythms, and Jamaican songs, and features a tribute to Jamaica’s 50th anniversary of independence. The program will begin with Christmas classics composed and arranged by members of The University Singers. Holiday programming includes songs like “The First Noel,” “Mary Did You Know,” and “O Holy Night,” followed by festive Jamaican Christmas songs such as “When the Star of Bethlehem Arise” and “Never a Baby Like Jesus,” both arranged and composed by the group's musical director, Noel Dexter.

The second half features Caribbean and Jamaican folk music. The essence of the group’s culture is brought to life through colorful costuming and traditional movements. Storytelling songs include “De River Ben Come Dung,” “Love in de Cemetery,” and “Dalfus Gone.” The show ends with homage to Jamaica’s 50th anniversary through a suite of reggae, dancehall, and festival songs. Christmas in the Caribbean promises to entertain and leave everyone feeling that they have just experienced the yuletide season, Caribbean and Jamaican style.

About The University Singers
Since their founding in 1957, The University Singers of the University of the West Indies (UWI) have grown from an ensemble of seven undergraduate students to more than forty undergraduate and graduate members. Performing a versatile repertoire of classical choral works, original music by Caribbean composers, American Negro Spirituals, Jazz and Gospel arrangements, The University Singers have distinguished themselves as one of the leading choral groups in the Caribbean.

The singers have performed around the world, and in the presence of many notable figures including, former South African President Nelson Mandela; the former Secretary General of the United Nations Kofi Anan; former Archbishop of Cape Town, South Africa Desmond Tutu; Queen Elizabeth II; and former Botswana President Dr. Quett Massire.

The University Singers have been recognized with the prestigious Jamaican Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in 2003, the Vice Chancellor’s Award for sterling contribution to the University of the West Indies, and a National Gold Musgrave Medal from the country’s premiere institution of culture, the Institute of Jamaica.

Brooklyn Center’s presentation of Christmas in the Caribbean with The University Singers is made possible, in part, through the generous support of the Macy’s Foundation. Artist hospitality is graciously provided by Crystal Manor.

About Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College
Founded in 1954, Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College presents outstanding performing arts and arts education programs at affordable prices, embracing the diverse communities that define Brooklyn. Brooklyn Center welcomes over 65,000 people to the 2,400 seat Walt Whitman Theatre each season and boasts one of the largest arts education programs in the borough, serving 46,000 schoolchildren from over 300 schools annually with its SchoolTime series. www.BrooklynCenterOnline.org.

Christmas in the Caribbean with The University Singers
Saturday, December 15, 2012 at 8pm
Tickets: $45/$36

Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts
Walt Whitman Theatre at Brooklyn College
2 train to Brooklyn College/Flatbush Avenue

Online orders: www.BrooklynCenterOnline.org
Box Office: (718) 951-4500, Tuesday – Saturday, 1pm – 6pm
Groups of 15 or more: (718) 951-4600 x3331

Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts’ programs are supported, in part, by public funding from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council. Major support for the 2012-2013 season is provided by: Brooklyn College; Target; Con Edison; Macy’s Foundation; Mertz Gilmore Foundation; TD Charitable Foundation; National Grid; the Herman Goldman Foundation, and Kings Plaza Shopping Center. Additional support provided by CNG Publications and The Brooklyn Eagle. The Sheraton Brooklyn New York Hotel is the official hotel of Brooklyn Center’s 2012-2013 season. Backstage catering is graciously provided by Applebee’s and Crystal Manor.

Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts gratefully acknowledges generous support from New York City Councilman Albert Vann and the Department of Youth & Community Development; New York City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn; and Commissioner of Cultural Affairs Kate Levin.

Official Website: http://www.BrooklynCenterOnline.org