A holiday celebration with dinner, dancing, music and operatic entertainment will be put on this week by the Georgia Southern Opera program.

            The Third Annual Madrigal Dinners will be held this Thursday, Nov. 15th and Saturday, Nov. 17 starting at 6 p.m. in the atrium of GSU’s College of Information Technology Building.

            The highlight of the evening’s entertainment is a one-act opera, St. Nicholas, by Richard Shepard, to be performed while guests are served coffee and dessert. Other musical entertainment includes the GSU Flute Choir, the Recorder Ensemble and various holiday madrigals performed by members of the GSU vocal department.

            Dr. Arikka Gregory, GSU’s Opera Director and Assistant Professor of Voice, said the holiday event is a real opportunity for community members to see a number of ensembles on display.

            “With students going home at the beginning of December, it’s really great that they are able to participate in the kick-off for the holiday season here in Statesboro,” said Gregory. “Madrigals, flute choirs and recorder music are at their best during the holidays. When you hear the music, you’ll instantly be in the holiday spirit.”

            Tickets for the performance are $27 for GSU students and faculty and $35 for general admission. Also, tables of eight can be purchased together. Dr. Gregory encourages everyone to contact the Performing Art Center Box Office at (912) 486-7999 to secure tickets or tables because last year performances sold out.

            Flutist Performs Monday

            On Monday, internationally acclaimed Swedish flutist, Göran Marcusson, and English pianist, Tim Carey, will kick off Georgia Southern University’s International Week with a concert in the Grand Ballroom of the Russell Student Union at 11:00 AM, November 12th, featuring series of light flute and piano pieces from around the world, especially featuring the music of Scandinavia. It will be followed by a concert at the Averitt Center at 7:30 PM. The public is invited and there are no admission charges.

            In addition, Marcusson will hold a master class for flutists from 2:00 to 4:00 PM in the Williams Center on campus. He will begin with a flute “play in,” and flutists are invited to bring their instruments so they can participate. For more information, contact the Department of Music at 681-5396.