In a week chock full of holiday concerts and performances, the Le Moyne Singers and Jazzuits make their mark on Dec. 9 and 10 with “Broadway Classics and Gershwin.” As the name suggests, the two groups are moving away from Christmas music and focusing instead on Broadway favorites, both new and old.
The Jazzuits, led by Carol Jacobe, will be performing tunes composed by brothers George and Ira Gershwin including “Embraceable You,” “Nice Work if You Can Get It” and “Oh Lady Be Good.”
Directed by Jocelyn Rauch, the Singers, on the other hand, will take on a mixture of classic and modern Broadway hits from shows like “Hairspray,” “Guys and Dolls” and “Spring Awakening.”
In addition, the Singers and Jazzuits will collaborate on two songs: the Gershwins’ “Clap Yo’ Hands” and the “Hallelujah” chorus from George Frideric Handel’s “Messiah.”
“We love collaberating,” Rauch said. “Carol picked ‘Clap Yo’ Hands’ based on the fact that the two groups sound amazing together. ‘Hallelujah’ is a good, popular holiday song with an automatic standing ovation [the audience typically stands during the ‘Hallelujah’ chorus]. It also gives the Jazzuits the opportunity to perform a classical number.”
Rauch is thrilled about the upcoming performances.
“I’m excited about the concert’s variety and joining the two groups together,” Rauch said. “We’ve got some really awesome soloists and some newbies. It’s a good time to hear some new voices.”
“Broadway Classics and Gershwin” takes place Friday, Dec. 9 and Saturday, Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center. Tickets are free, though Rauch encourages everyone to “get your tickets early.”
For more information, call (315) 445-4523 or visit the PAC office.