Accompanied by a brass ensemble and percussion, the Fairfield University Glee Club performed holiday carols at their final performance of the fall semester. Director of Choral Music Michael A. Ciavaglia conducted the vocal ensemble in singing tunes like “The First Noel,” “The One Horse Open Sleigh,” and “The Little Drummer Boy.”
Throughout their 78th season, the Glee Club has found itself singing at St. Paul’s Church in Harvard Square, St. Mary Church in Stamford, Conn. and right at home at The Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts. For their last 2025 performance, the Glee Club sang the classic hits in the Quick Center to a sold-out auditorium filled with Fairfield students and town members.
Under the dimmed lights and vibrant poinsettias, the overall Glee Club, Bensonians and Sweet Harmony took turns in the spotlight. Bensonians and Sweet Harmony both had their own sections in the performance, yet joined together to sing Pentatonix’s version of “Mary, Did You Know?” which was a crowd favorite.
“‘Mary, Did You Know?’ was incredible to hear,” sophomore Margaret Nasry, who is a member of Glee Club, said. “I genuinely had chills.” Nasry explained that this was the first time the entire Glee Club heard the Christmas songs from the Bensonians and Sweet Harmony. She expressed the importance of what Glee Club means to her, as she finds solace in working together with the other Glee Club members to sing music they love.
Nasry shared that preparing for “A Feast of Carols” began right at the start of the school year. Since they had to perform the Family Weekend Concert and Boston Concert, the past two and a half weeks have been necessary for rehearsal attendance to ensure that everyone was prepared for the grand celebration.
“Glee Club is a way to find balance in my routine, so I’m not just focusing on my academic studies, but am actually involved in something I am passionate about,” said sophomore Olivia Stolar. Her favorite songs to sing with the entire group were “The First Nowell” and “Sleigh Ride.”
In the program guide, the Glee Club gave the opportunity for audience members to sing along with the group to “It Came Upon A Midnight Clear,” “Jingle Bells” and “Silent Night.” The Glee Club invited alumni to sing “Night of Silence” on stage.
The annual Christmas concert included friendly faces, new songs and a beautiful symphony with the orchestra. The Bensonians released an album, “Christmas (Sounds Good To Me)” on Dec. 5, now streaming on Spotify. Sweet Harmony has also released an album, “Sugarcoated” on Nov. 22, streaming on Spotify as well. The Fairfield University Glee Club wishes everyone a warm holiday season and peace for the New Year.
