‘Tis the Season for ‘Holidays at Hendricks’

Nearly a thousand people descended onto Syracuse University for “Holidays at Hendricks” on Sunday, Dec. 4. A campus tradition for more than a decade, the concert featured hundreds of musicians, including the Syracuse University Brass Ensemble (based in the College of Arts and Sciences), directed by James T. Spencer; the Hendricks Chapel Choir, conducted by Jose (“Peppie”) Calvar; and University Organist Anne Laver.

Rounding out the bill were the University Singers, led by John Warren and accompanied by pianist Abel Searor ’10; the Windjammer jazz vocal ensemble, conducted by Jeff Welcher; the Syracuse Vocal Ensemble, directed by R. Ryan Endris, with pianist Sabine Krantz; the Syracuse Children’s Chorus, led by Stephanie Mowery, with pianist Maryna Mazhukhova; and the Handbell Ringers from the Setnor School of Music, conducted by April Woltersdorf ’14.

Highlights included a brass version of “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” narrated by Chancellor Kent Syverud.

Through a special arrangement with WCNY, “Holidays at Hendricks” will be broadcast on television on Sunday, Dec. 20, at noon on 24.1 and Thursday, Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve), at 10 p.m. on 24.4 (HD). The concert will be heard on radio on Thursday, Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve), at 6 p.m. and Friday, Dec. 25 (Christmas Day), at 8 a.m.

WCNY-TV is found on Channel 24 or Time Warner Channel 11, as well as on digital cable channels 850 and 853; it is simulcast in SD 24.1 and HD 24.4. WCNY-FM (CLASSIC-FM) is found at 91.3 in Syracuse, 89.5 in Utica and 90.9 in Watertown.

DVD copies of last year’s “Holidays at Hendricks” concert are available for sale at the SU Bookstore.