Holiday music will echo throughout the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts on Sunday as Mannheim Steamroller takes the stage.
The musical group is stopping in Gainesville at 7:30 p.m. as part of its 30th anniversary tour and plays modern, instrumental versions of traditional Christmas music under the illumination of a festive light show. Tickets are $10 for UF students, $35 for balcony seats, $45 to $60 for orchestra seating and $60 for pit seating and can be purchased online or over the phone.
The concert is expected to fill the Phillips Center close to capacity, said Amy Douglas, performing arts spokeswoman.
“No matter what religion you practice or what you believe, the holidays can be a magical and wonderful time,” she said. “They can also be a little lonely for students who are away from home. Hopefully, the concert can help alleviate that.”
Douglas said the group has performed on campus before, most recently in 2010. And although Christmas is not until next month, she said Gainesville is one of the tour’s first stops.
UF physics and mathematics senior Jacob Fjeldheim said music like Mannheim Steamroller gets him excited for the holidays.
“It’s important to experience music of the season, a cultural staple, regardless of creed or religion,” the 21-year-old said.
[A version of this story ran on page 5 on 11/13/2014]
