Sunday, December 15, 2 p.m. Saint Michael’s College Chapel, VT; FREE. Vermont Italian Cultural Association, cofounder Dr. William Tortolano will perform a Christmas concert on December 15th in the Saint Michael’s College Chapel on the Winooski campus. He will play on the classic 1966 Casavant pipe organ which was designed by Dr. Tortolano and is dedicated to him. The organ is a two-manual, 14-stop instrument.

An additional enrichment is the acousatically reverberate chapel. This will be his 64th Christmas Concert. The concert is free and open to the public. An optional free offering is available. Dr. Tortolano, Professor Emeritus of Fine Arts/Music, began his career at SMC in 1960. He is a distinguished Catholic church musician who has made considerable contributions in the field of Gregorian chant.

The program includes a wide selection of carols from many cultures. The audience is invited to sing along. The organ solos explore the tonal colors and resources of the instrument. These include two American folk melodies set to liturgical jazz harmonies by jazz great, George Shearing.

The concert will feature four carols from Tortolano’s most recent publication Eight Italian Christmas Carols. They will be performed by Jerry Proulx, a 1982 SMC graduate, and a four-year member and
soloist of the college chorale. Dr. Tortolano will celebrate his 95th birthday in January! A reception will follow. All are invited for a glass of vino (Italian, certo!). Italian cookies will be served.