South Dakota Symphony Orchestra: Messiah
SDPB1: Thursday, Dec. 23, 8pm (7 MT)
Featuring the inspiring Hallelujah Chorus, Handel’s Messiah returns to usher in the holiday season. Join your South Dakota Symphony Orchestra & Chorus from First Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls for this divine masterpiece. Watch the presentation streamed live online at SD.net on Friday, December 3 at 7:00pm Central, 6 Mountain. The South Dakota Symphony Orchestra is conducted by Maestro Delta David Gier. Timothy J. Campbell is the director of the chorus. The performance features Kayleen Sánchez, soprano; Daniel Weeks, tenor; Doug Dodson, countertenor; and Ben LeClair, bass. First performed in Dublin on April 13, 1742, Messiah, HWV 56, by George Frederic Handel has become one of the most frequently performed works in Western music.
Laura’s Little Christmas on the Prairie
SDPB1: Thursday, Dec. 30, 8pm (7 MT)
It is December and Laura Ingalls has already had enough of winter on the wide-open, lonely prairie. The cold days and long nights weigh on her such that even the prospect of a De Smet town Christmas pageant cannot quite lift her spirits. However, stories of the past, joyous music, and a new acquaintance may offer her the perspective and lesson she needs to find warmth and light in even the coldest and darkest of nights on the Dakota prairie. This historical fiction radio production provides an hour of theater, history, music, and drama as we share a Christmas on the Dakota prairie with Laura Ingalls, her family, and her neighbors in Laura’s Little Christmas on the Prairie.
Featuring local actors, live music and sound effects, and produced in front of a live audience at the De Smet Event Center theatre.
57th Annual Madrigal Dinner: University of Sioux Falls
SDPB1: Sunday, Dec. 19 & Saturday, Dec. 25, 2pm (1 MT)
Recorded during the 2020 COVID Pandemic, this Renaissance-themed Christmas dinner theatre performance is presented by the Singing Camerata (known during the holiday season as The Madrigal Singers). Established in 1963 by Lois Harchanko, Music Professor Emeritus, the Madrigal Dinners represent one of USF’s longest-standing and strongest traditions. The performances combine vocal and instrumental music, dancing, drama, elegant Renaissance garb and fine dining.
Awake, and Greet the New Morn: Augustana University Christmas Vespers
SDPB1: Thursday, Dec. 16 & Friday, Dec. 24, 8pm (7 MT) & Saturday, Dec. 25, 1pm (noon MT)
The Augustana School of Music presents its annual Christmas Vespers 2021 Concert “Awake, and Greet the New Morn,” a celebration of the birth of Christ featuring Augustana’s three choirs, orchestra and band.
Dr. Paul Nesheim directs The Augustana Choir and Chamber Choir. The orchestra is led by Dr. Peter Folliard, and Drs. Lisa Grevlos and Russell Svenningsen direct Angelus and the University Chorale. Dr. Christopher Unger directs the band.
Annual Vespers: Mount Marty University
SDPB1: Friday, Dec. 24, 9pm (8 MT) & Saturday, Dec. 25, 3pm (2 MT)
The Mount Marty Music Department and Benedictine Sisters of Sacred Heart Monastery present Vespers, featuring Scripture reading and prayer in addition to songs and instrumental works of the Advent and Christmas season.