By Laurie D. Willis

Livingstone College News Service

The Salisbury Symphony Orchestra was created, in large part, because in 1966 Livingstone College President Dr. Samuel E. Duncan thought there was a need for one.

Today, nearly 50 years later, the symphony and Livingstone College enjoy a good relationship. And the public can benefit from that relationship on Dec. 6 when, for the second, consecutive year, symphony members perform on stage at the college’s annual Christmas concert.

“Miracle on Monroe Street – Back by Popular Demand!” begins at 7 p.m. in Varick Auditorium and will feature student musical and theatrical performances, a live nativity scene and, of course, Salisbury Symphony Orchestra members.

“From the initial formation of the symphony in 1966, we’ve taken our relationship with Livingstone College very seriously,” said Music Director David Hagy. “We’re just thrilled anytime we can collaborate with Livingstone … and I hope we bring additional audience members who might not usually attend an event at a college but would come because of the orchestra’s involvement. Events at Livingstone College are usually quite good, and I’m just delighted they’re doing this again this year and look forward to getting to see it.”

Hagy was unable to attend “Miracle on Monroe Street” last year because of a prior commitment to guest conduct with the New York State All State String Orchestra. But this year, he’ll be in town for Livingstone’s concert.

Sidney C. Sessoms, Jr., director of bands at Livingstone, will serve as conductor for the second year in a row. Sessoms, a veteran in the music industry who orchestrated the music that will be performed at the concert, thinks it’s great that the college and the symphony are partnering again.

“Having members of the Salisbury Symphony Orchestra participate in our annual Christmas concert gives our students a chance to hear what professional musicians sound like when they perform,” Sessoms said. “When our students play alongside them on stage, an opportunity not all college students get, mind you, it pushes them to perform at levels they didn’t know they could. Simultaneously, it motivates them and makes them better.”

Last year’s concert was a big hit, and people who attended it talked about it long after Christmas had ended. Sessoms and colleagues Dr. DaVaughn L. Miller, director of choral activities, Dr. Joanne K. Harrison, organist and accompanist, and Michael D. Connor, who runs the theater arts program, have worked tirelessly to ensure this year’s concert tops last year’s efforts.

Sessoms said he doesn’t want to let the cat out of the bag but hinted that people from Salisbury, Charlotte and surrounding communities “won’t want to miss the concert on Dec. 6. It’s going to be really exciting, and it’s going to offer something for people of all ages. As we all prepare our hearts for Dec. 25, the day we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I can’t think of many better ways to get in the Christmas spirit than to come to Livingstone’s Christmas concert and be blessed.”

Sessoms is no stranger to big time productions involving professionals. He has performed with The Virginia Symphony Orchestra, the Austin Symphony Orchestra in Texas and The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Likewise, Miller, Harrison and Connor have performed professionally, including at Carnegie Hall and other notable venues.

But for the students Sessoms works with on a daily basis, the Dec. 6 concert – in most cases – will be their first time on the big stage.

“I remember the first time I got a chance to perform with some professionals, and I remember how nervous I was,” Sessoms said. “But the more I got a chance to work with pros, the more I honed my musical talents. I’m confident the experience will be great for our students and concert attendees will benefit from a dazzling performance, and I’m so grateful to Mr. Hagy and the Salisbury Symphony Orchestra members for joining with us in this important production.”

Hagy said symphony members are glad whenever they get a chance to partner with Livingstone or Catawba College. After all, back in 1966 Duncan enlisted the help of then-Catawba President Dr. Donald C. Dearborn to create the symphony, and its first concert was held at Catawba in Keppel Auditorium a year later.

“I just think it’s important that the community realizes this is Jimmy Jenkins’ gift to them,” Hagy said. “He’s taking such pride in Livingstone, and he wants to make sure the community sees the positive things the college is doing.”

Before “Miracle on Monroe Street – Back by Popular Demand!,” Jenkins will join Livingstone students, faculty and staff at a Christmas Dinner for several area families. The meal will be planned and prepared by students in the school’s Hospitality Management & Culinary Arts program, led by industry veteran Vivian Ray, and served in the school’s Events and Hospitality Center. Additionally, children in the attending families will be given gift cards for toys.

Want to attend?

When: Saturday, Dec. 6

Where: Varick Auditorium, Livingstone College campus

Time: 7 p.m.

Christmas Concert tickets can be purchased at Livingstone’s cashier’s office from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or online at www.livingstone.edu/tickets