Southwest Choir Plays Prestigious Venue Monday

Monday night, students from Southwest High School will kick off their annual holiday concert at downtown Minneapolis' beautiful Basilica of St. Mary.

The giant granite building sits on the edge of Loring Park, and numerous musical groups frequently perform under its 200-foot high dome.

Tickets—$10 for adults and $5 for students—are sold at the door.

Senior Eric Heltemes will lead off the concert with a rendition of "Silent Night" for piano, tenor, and strings, which he arranged and orchestrated himself. The night continues with performances by many musical groups, including a classical guitar ensemble and several audition-only choirs. Performances of the Halleluja Chorus from Handel's "Messiah" and the Gloria from Bizet's Mass in G will round out the evening.