Marion native performs in nationally-televised concert

Marion native performs in nationally-televised concert

Abigail Smith a part of ‘Christmas at Belmont’ concert

From Hope Buckner Belmont University

NASHVILLE, TN Abigail Smith, a native of Marion, and Commercial Music major at Belmont University, performed recently in the “Christmas at Belmont” concert at Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center, a performance which was taped live and aired nationally this past holiday season on PBS.

Hosted by two-time Grammy winner Kathy Mattea, more than 700 student musicians joined the Belmont School of Music faculty and the Nashville Children’s Choir for the taping of “Christmas at Belmont.” The annual production of traditional carols, classical masterworks, world music and lighthearted seasonal favorites, produced by Nashville Public Television (NPT), premiered on PBS on Dec.

21, at 9 p.m. central with an encore broadcast on Christmas Eve at 8 p.m.

central. 2015 was the 13th consecutive year “Christmas at Belmont” has been seen by a national audience on PBS.

This year’s edition of “Christmas at Belmont” features the University Symphony Orchestra, Belmont Strings, University Singers, Belmont Chorale, Percussion Ensemble, Musical Theatre, Jazz Band, Jazzmin, Southbound and Company, as well as mass choirs. The performance includes both classic holiday music such as “Carol of the Bells” and “Little Drummer Boy,” and festive seasonal songs such as “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?,” “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and “Deck the Halls,” to name a few.

‘“Christmas at Belmont’ is an amazing op portu ni ty to showcase the tremendous talent of our faculty and students,” said Belmont University President Dr.

Bob Fisher. “We’re incredibly grateful for our partnership with NPT that brings that talent to a broader audience, and we’re delighted to have an artist of Kathy Mattea’s caliber at the helm this year.”

“NPT is excited to once again partner with Belmont University to bring one of Nashville’s great holiday traditions to the entire nation on PBS,” said Beth Curley, president and CEO of NPT, which has won 46 Midsouth Emmy Awards since 2001. “I am always amazed at the depth and range of talent Belmont’s School of Music is nurturing— truly making a mark on Nashville’s music and performance scenes. With 2015’s all-new production of ‘Christmas at Belmont,’ we continue a vital part of NPT’s mission, which is to share these unique talents with a national audience.”

About Belmont University Ranked No. 5 in the Regional Universities South category and named as a “Most Innovative” university by U.S. News & World Report, Belmont University is celebrating its 125th anniversary in academic year 2015-16.

Founded in 1890, the University consists of more than 7,400 students who come from every state and more than 25 countries. Committed to being a leader among teaching universities, Belmont brings together the best of liberal arts and professional education in a Christian community of learning and service. The University’s purpose is to help students explore their passions and develop their talents to meet the world’s needs.

With more than 80 areas of undergraduate study, 22 master’s programs and five doctoral degrees, there is no limit to the ways Belmont University can expand an individual’s horizon. For more information, visit www.helmont.edu.

Abigail Smith