Gospel Choir Channels ‘Downton Abbey’ for Annual ‘Soulful Christmas’ Concert
Plattsburgh State Gospel Choir’s annual holiday concert will embrace the PBS program, “Downton Abbey,” with costumes and contests becoming an integral theme of the evening Sunday, Dec. 7 beginning at 5 p.m. in the E. Glenn Giltz Auditorium in Hawkins Hall.
This year’s “Soulful Christmas” takes its cue from the popular 1920s-era series and films, encouraging audience members to dress the part and compete for prizes for most authentic period attire.
The gospel choir performs an average of 25 concerts and other works a year, sharing the stage with artists such as Lyle Lovett, Myra Flynn, Sheila Raye Charles and others. Performers include students, faculty, staff and community members.
Under the artistic direction of Dr. Dexter Criss, professor of chemistry and music adjunct, and Andrea Ogle, associate artistic director, the choir performs a fusion of traditional gospel, urban gospel and contemporary Christian music blended with Caribbean and Afro-centric rhythms.
Holiday Classics Reimagined
This year’s Soulful Christmas features a 50-voice chorus performing holiday classics reimagined with gospel arrangements, including Richard Smallwood’s “Anthem of Praise,” “Children Go Where I Send Thee” arranged by Kevin Phillip Johnson, “Emmanuel,” by Norman Hutchins, an energetic version of “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” and a soulful rendition of “Hallelujah Chorus,” arranged by Quincy Jones.
Guest performers include SUNY Plattsburgh’s a cappella group, Minor Adjustments, Faith Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church Youth Praise Dancers, SUNY Plattsburgh Gospel Choir Praise Dancers, and a pre-show Christmas carol sing-along from 4:40 to 4:55 p.m. led by music educators Alex Malsan and Jonathan Ellwanger.
Bill McColgan, CEO and president of Mountain Lake PBS, will serve as master of ceremonies.
“Soulful Christmas 2025” tickets are $8 advance online for students and $20 general admission; $10 at the door for students and $25 general admission. Tickets for children under 4 sharing a seat with an adult are free. Visit www.plattsburghstategospelchoir.org to purchase tickets online.
For more information, email [email protected] or call 518-564-2704.
— By Associate Director of Communications Gerianne Downs with Photo Provided
