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Provost’s New Arrangement to Debut at Christmas Prism

November 15, 2024

Christmas Prism concert-goers will witness an exciting premiere next month at Houghton University as Provost David Davies ’01, D.M.A., debuts his new arrangement of “Hark the Herald Angels Sing.” The piece, commissioned specifically for this year’s performances, will combine all university choirs and orchestra, featuring nearly 200 student musicians.

Houghton University Provost, David Davies.

“While the piece makes use of the familiar tune and text for the beloved Christmas carol, I put my own stamp on the melody by rescoring it in an asymmetrical meter for much of the setting,” Davies explained. “I also wove in newly composed choral fanfares, putting the choirs in the role of the heraldic angels proclaiming Christ’s birth.”

Audiences will experience an expanded percussion section and a rarely-performed verse from Charles Wesley’s original hymn text. The composition, Davies’ fifth work performed at Prism and his first since returning as Provost, was commissioned by Prism artistic directors Amanda Cox, Kevin Dibble, and Daniel Black. The piece is dedicated to “the student musicians of Houghton University.”

This marks Davies’ third commissioned premiere for Prism, following works performed in 2011 and 2012. The arrangement concludes with audience participation in the final verse.

Those interested in experiencing this fresh rendition of this Christmas classic and the full concert can purchase Prism tickets online.

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