LOGAN – The traditional Christmas concert for Cache Valley music lovers by the American Festival Chorus and Orchestra is set for mid-December.
“Christmas from the Daines Concert Hall” will take place on the campus of Utah State University at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 11, 12 and 13. A matinee performance is also slated for 2 p.m. on Dec. 13.
“This year,” according to music director Craig Jessop, “the choir and orchestra will be joined by special guests David Osmond and Savannah Stevenson, performing traditional Christmas favorites plus a few surprises that are sure to delight.”
The nephew of Donnie and Marie Osmond, David Osmond is a solo music artist, a Broadway performer and the lead singer of the “The Osmonds, 2nd Generation.”
He has performed in more than 17 countries and has had three top 40 hits in the United Kingdom.
Savannah Stevenson is a stage and film actress based in London. She played Mary in the new Bible videos for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Ms. Stevenson has also performed in stage adaptations of Mary Poppins, Gone With the Wind and in the London version of the musical Wicked.
Founded in 2008, the American Festival Chorus & Orchestra has become a leading artistic voice in Northern Utah and has sought to enrich the lives it touches through performance, education and appreciation of choral art.
The auditioned chorus brings together more than 200 singers from a 90-mile radius around Logan, including talented singers from the community, Utah State University faculty and outstanding USU students.
The AFC orchestra is a 65-member professional ensemble composed of faculty from USU’s music department, professional musicians from the region and selected USU students.
Jessop adds that the AFCO will be joined in their Christmas concert by the always popular Westminster Bell Choir, rounding out what is likely to be one of the highlights of the holiday season in Cache Valley.
The Westminster Bell Choir is a ensemble of handbell choirs based here in Logan.
They encompass the more advanced Westminster Bell Choir and the intermediate Belles of Westminster.
The bell choirs are sponsored by the First Presbyterian Church in Cache Valley, though they are made up of individuals from a variety of religious backgrounds.
Jessop warns that the AFCO holiday shows always sell out, so residents should get their tickets early by going online to https://utahstateaggies.evenue.net/events/AFCO
The Newel and Jean Daines Concert Hall is located in the Chase Fine Arts Center on the USU campus.