Featured Events

PLATTSBURGH STATE GOSPEL CHOIR PRESENTS
"SOULFUL CHRISTMAS 2025" WITH DOWNTON ABBEY THEME
Sunday, December 7th, 2025
5:00pm to 7:15pm
Doors open at 4:30 PM
E. Glenn Giltz Auditorium, Hawkins Hall
47 Beekman Street, Plattsburgh, NY 12901, USA
Annual Holiday Concert Features 50-Voice Chorus, Special Guests, and 1920s Best Dressed Contest
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This year's performance takes inspiration from PBS's Downton Abbey, encouraging attendees to embrace the elegance of the 1920s era with a best-dressed contest offering prizes for the most authentic period attire. Let your inner Dowager Countess or Lord Grantham shine through!
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Under the artistic direction of Dr. Dexter L. Criss, Professor of Chemistry and Music Adjunct, and Associate Artistic Director Andrea D. Ogle, the 50-voice chorus will present a harmonious fusion of traditional gospel, urban gospel, and contemporary Christian music, blended with Caribbean and Afrocentric rhythms.
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PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS
The two-hour concert will feature beloved holiday classics reimagined with gospel arrangements, including:
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Richard Smallwood's "Anthem of Praise"
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"Children Go Where I Send Thee" arranged by Kevin Phillip Johnson
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Norman Hutchins' Christmas classic "Emmanuel"
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Music City Mass Choir's energetic version of "Hark the Herald Angels Sing"
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A soulful adaptation of "Hallelujah Chorus" arranged by Quincy Jones
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SPECIAL FEATURES
Guest Performers:
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Minor Adjustments (SUNY Plattsburgh's premier a cappella group)
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Faith Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church Youth Praise Dancers
Master of Ceremonies:
Bill McColgan, CEO/President of Mountain Lake PBS
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Additional Performances:
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SUNY Plattsburgh Gospel Choir Praise Dancers
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Pre-show traditional Christmas carol sing-along (4:40 PM - 4:55 PM) led by music educators Alex Malsan and Jonathan Ellwanger
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TICKET INFORMATION
Student Admission (College, K-12):
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Advance (Nov 10 - Dec 6): $8 online
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At the door: $10
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General Admission:
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Advance (Nov 10 - Dec 6): $20 online
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At the door: $25
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Children 4 and under: FREE (must share seat with adult)
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This family-friendly concert coincides with the City of Plattsburgh's festive holiday weekend celebrations, making it the perfect way to embrace the Christmas spirit in the North Country.
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For more information, high-resolution images, or to schedule interviews with Dr. Dexter L. Criss or choir members, please contact gospelchoir@plattsburgh.edu or call (518) 564-2704.



