Gospel Choir Returns to Giltz Stage for Soulful Christmas 2023

SUNY Plattsburgh’s Gospel Choir will perform its annual Soulful Christmas Celebration Saturday, Dec. 2 at 5 p.m. in Giltz Auditorium, Hawkins Hall.

Under the direction of Dr. Dexter Criss, professor of chemistry and biochemistry, the 50-voice choir and eight-piece band will perform arrangements of classic holiday selections including “Oh Come All Ye Faithful and “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” as well as an original adaptation of “Three Kings” by Criss.

Student soloists include Jerrique Ortiz, Gabrielle Wrisley, Violet Mawere, Bel Morley, Candace Nelson and Kimolie Heslop as well  as community solos by Sara Munson, Gina Lindsey, Brett Carpenter and Barbara Criss.

Also featured will be the Praise Dancers, Step Team and Praise Team, which will perform a pre-show sing-along of traditional Christmas carols. Special guests include Dr. Learie Nurse, a native of Barbados and former Gospel Choir Praise Team leader and Educational Opportunity Program counselor. He serves as vice president of enrollment management and student affairs at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, and Akua Smith, an international minister and worship leader whose ministry has spanned more than 30 years and who serves as senior account executive with Cigna Healthcare in Vermont.

Advance tickets are $8 students, $20 general admission online; $10 students and $25 general admission day of show at the door. Children 5 and under are free if sharing a seat with an adult.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.plattsburghstategospelchoir.org and in person at the Christian Supply Center, 164 Prospect Ave., Plattsburgh, or at the Gospel Choir office in 133 Hawkins Hall.

For more information, email [email protected] or call 518-564-2700.

— By Associate Director of Communications Gerianne Downs