Purdue Musical Organizations director to conduct at Disney World
|
The Candlelight Processional is a retelling of the Christmas story narrated by a guest celebrity that features a live orchestra and chorus of more than 400 singers. This is the second year that guest conductors were added to the program; Breed has been asked to serve both years.
"I'm honored to again be a part of this world-class event held every holiday season," Breed said. "My participation brings a great deal of exposure to Purdue and I believe the invitation to serve as a guest conductor speaks well of the stature of Purdue Musical Organizations."
The holiday tradition began in 1958 in Disneyland in California and followed 13 years later at Walt Disney World in Florida. In 1994, it was moved to the America Gardens Theatre in Epcot Center. It has grown from two shows each year to three shows per evening for 37 days between Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve. Approximately 200,000 people attend the show each year.
Previous contact with a Disney official led to Breed's selection as a guest conductor, said Rick Mizell, director of music with Walt Disney World's Entertainment Division.
"Brian was recommended by our vice president who toured with Brian many years ago," Mizell said. "There were several other vocal compadres that knew of Brian's boundless energy. He was able to inspire the young people in the show and provided a new energy and vitality in each performance."
Breed's stint as guest conductor will be Dec. 13-16 following Purdue Musical Organizations' 73rd annual Purdue Christmas Show. With the theme "Christmas is Believing," this year's Purdue Christmas Show will be presented Dec. 8-10.
Writer: Christy Jones, (765) 494-1089, christyjones@purdue.edu
Sources: Brian Breed, (765) 494-3941, bdbreed@purdue.edu
Steve Schlenk, PMO assistant to the director, (765) 496-6091, sschlenk@purdue.edu
Rick Mizell, rick.mizell@disney.com
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu
To the News Service home page