Last Sunday, Duquesne University’s Christmas at Duquesne celebration brought a double helping of holiday cheer to the Charles J. Dougherty Ballroom.

Nearly 700 people attended the two concerts in person, with afternoon and evening performances offering multiple opportunities to enjoy the incredible musicianship of the students, faculty, and alumni of the Mary Pappert School of Music.

Dr. James Gourlay and the Duquesne Symphony Orchestra opened the program with Leroy Anderson’s Christmas Festival Overture, setting a bright, festive tone that carried throughout the day. The Voices of Spirit and Pappert Chorale followed with moving choral selections, including Dan Forrest’s reflective Work of Christmas, conducted by Dr. Caron Daley, and Rosephanye Powell’s vibrant Ogo ni fun oluwa, led by Dr. Ethan Murphy and supported by a lively student percussion trio.

The Wind Symphony added a touch of contemporary sparkle with music from Disney’s Frozen, arranged by Bob Krogstad, before the Jazz Ensemble shifted the mood with the stylish swing of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s jazz reimagining of The Nutcracker Suite. Their performance of We Three Kings, arranged by Jeff Bush, added another playful and spirited highlight.

The program continued with a powerful collaboration featuring the Symphony Orchestra, Voices of Spirit, and Pappert Chorale in Gerald Finzi’s In Terra Pax, with soloists Sebastian Catana (A.D. Performance, 1999) and Olivia Cuccaro (2nd year M.M., Performance). Both performances came to a triumphant close with Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus, bringing the audience to its feet.

The celebration extended far beyond campus by way of the IEMMA Broadcast Network (IBN). Hundreds more tuned in to the IBN’s live stream from across the United States and around the world, including viewers in Mexico, Canada, Anguilla, the United Kingdom, Puerto Rico, Ireland, Cuba, Italy, and several additional countries. The global reach underscored the wide appeal of Duquesne’s musical community. The IBN also continues to broadcast holiday music recorded by students, faculty, and alumni of the MPSOM 24/7 throughout the remainder of December.

In true Duquesne fashion, the 11th annual Christmas at Duquesne kicked off the holidays blending the warmth of in-person gathering with the accessibility of online engagement, wrapping audiences everywhere in the spirit of the season.

News Type

Stories

School

Published

December 12, 2025

Christmas at Duquesne Photos

Wide view of orchestra, harp, and choir performing beneath projected snowflakes.
Cellist performs seated among string section with choir blurred behind.
Two guests acknowledge applause with raised hands in front of orchestra and harp.
Two guests stand and wave to applauding audience inside concert hall.
Choir members singing in black attire with red scarves during holiday program.
Wide shot of full choir and orchestra performing to a packed audience.
Trumpet player performs seated within ensemble during live concert.
Keyboardist in Santa hat plays alongside guitar and bass.
Jazz ensemble performs on stage with brass and saxophones during holiday concert.
Female soloist in navy gown singing with orchestra and choir behind her.
String section performs with double bass and cellos framed by holiday décor.
Male soloist in blue vest singing in front of choir during holiday concert.
Conductor leading full orchestra and choir beneath projected snowflakes during a Christmas performance.
Applause line of conductors and guests standing before the orchestra after a holiday concert.