"A St. Thomas Christmas: All Is Well," a production of Twin Cities Public Television, has been nominated for a 2014 Upper Midwest Emmy award in the Special Event Coverage category. The production features the 2013 St. Thomas Christmas concert "All Is Well," which was recorded at Orchestra Hall on Dec. 8, 2013.
The performance was co-produced by the St. Thomas Department of Music and the St. Thomas Alumni Association. It featured more than 300 student performers in eight of the university’s vocal and instrumental ensembles: Chamber Singers, Concert Choir, Festival Choir, Liturgical Choir, Women’s Choir, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Brass Choir and Handbell Choir.
Music professor Dr. Angela Broeker was the artistic director of the performance and also conducted the Chamber Singers, Concert Choir and Festival Choir. Other ensemble directors included Dr. Matthew George, Symphonic Wind Ensemble; Aaron Brown, Liturgical Choir; Christopher Volpe, Brass Choir; Jennifer Caldwell, Handbell Choir; and Robert Vickery, Women's Choir.
"We are thrilled to have received the Emmy Nomination for our televised 'A St. Thomas Christmas.' It is a testament to the dedication of our students and faculty who put forth great care, time and energy in preparing for the performance, and we greatly appreciate the recognition received," said George. "The collective effort of so many from St. Thomas in conjunction with the wonderful and talented people from tpt yielded a truly fruitful and collaborative endeavor."
According to tpt producer Lisa Blackstone, "In a competitive category that is usually filled with shows based on contemporary pop music, a nomination for a Christmas performance is especially wonderful," she said. "Part of the joy for us on the television side is working with the amazing Music Department at the University of St. Thomas ... It's a genuine treat for us to be a part of the UST Christmas shows. A nomination for the work makes the experience all the sweeter."
Additional nominees in the Special Event Coverage category are "Christmas in Norway with the St. Olaf Choir," Twin Cities Public Television; "Lynx Victory Parade and Celebration," FOX Sports North; and "White Bear Lake Makes World’s Longest Ice Cream Sundae," Ramsey/Washington Counties Cable Commission.
The 2014 Upper Midwest Emmy Gala is Saturday, Sept. 13. For more information visit the Upper Midwest Chapter of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.