This week on ‘Spectrum West’ host Al Ross welcomes the directors and conductors of the Chippewa Valley Symphony Orchestra, the Chippewa Valley Jazz Orchestra, The Master Singers and the University of Wisconsin Jazz Ensembles to preview the many holiday concerts taking place across Eau Claire this month. Ross will also be talking to the director of counseling services at UW-Eau Claire about student mental health.
After a pandemic hiatus, the CVSO shares the Pablo Center at the Confluence RCU Theatre stage with the CVJO in a back-and-forth performance dubbed “Let’s Go Nut(s)cracker!: Take Two,” classical versus jazz arrangements of many seasonal favorites. Ross’ guests will be CVSO music director/conductor Nobu Yasuda and CVJO founding member Geoff Peterson.
The Master Singers present their always-anticipated “Lessons & Carols” holiday concerts Friday and Saturday, Dec. 10 and 11. Conductor Gary Schwartzhoff provides details on the repertoire which includes international carols featuring vocal and instrumental solos.
Continuing the holiday music theme, Robert Baca, head of UW-Eau Claire Jazz Studies, joins Ross to talk about their Christmas show “Christmas, Sinatra Style.” The program features special guest singer Michael Andrew with the UW-Eau Claire Jazz Ensembles I & II. Andrew is a UW-Eau Claire alumnus whose career has included appearances in Broadway shows and composing original motion picture scores.
Riley McGrath, director of Counseling Services at UW-Eau Claire shares a conversation with Ross about the many programs and initiatives available to college students to help them manage their mental health. McGrath will discuss how family and friends can support students during the collegiate experience, the holiday season and especially during the limitations of a global pandemic.