Holiday music spilled through the Shannon Center on Sunday, Dec. 7, as Saint Xavier University kicked off the season with its annual Christmas Music Spectacular, a tradition that continues to grow into one of the school’s biggest December events.
“This has become an amazing way to celebrate all our students and ensembles with the community and University,” said Dr. Shawn Salmon, director of Jazz Studies and the Guitar Studio. “It is a beautiful way to celebrate the season of peace, love and joy through music at Saint Xavier University.”
The concert, held at the Shannon Center on the university campus at 3700 W. 103rd St., featured performances by the University Chorale, Chamber Singers, University Band, Jazz Ensemble, Fish ’n’ Chips, Guitar Ensemble and a piano duet. Launched in 2015 and continued virtually in 2021, the Spectacular has become one of SXU’s most anticipated holiday traditions.
Audiences heard a mix of sweeping instrumental pieces, intricate choral works and playful interpretations of classic Christmas songs. Salmon said the variety of the program remained one of the event’s strongest features.
“I personally enjoy the diversity of music we program, from grand arrangements of classics performed by our University Band to breath-taking choral pieces to even our playful renditions of popular classics. This concert has it all,” he said.
The Spectacular also highlighted the dedication of SXU student musicians, many of whom performed in several ensembles while preparing for finals the next day.
“It fills me with a lot of pride in how hard our students work to make this concert happen, especially when they all have finals the next day,” Salmon said.
By the end of the afternoon, the concert showed why it has become a cornerstone of the university arts calendar, bringing together talent, tradition and community in one of the campus’s most festive settings.
