FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 7, 2000 CONTACT: Lisa Lacher, (515) 271-3119 HUNDREDS OF MUSICIANS TO PERFORM 'THE CREATION' BY FRANZ JOSEPH HAYDN AT CIVIC CENTER NOV. 19 All four Drake University choral ensembles and the Drake Symphony Orchestra will present Franz Joseph Haydn's magnificent oratorio, "The Creation," at 8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 19, at the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines. "The performance will feature approximately 300 singers and instrumentalists, including more than 60 area residents who are members of the Drake University/Community Chorus," said Aimee Beckmann-Collier, director of choral activities at Drake. "It's a massive production that is made possible by the collaboration of faculty, students and community members." Beckmann-Collier said "The Creation," which is based on the Book of Genesis and John Milton's "Paradise Lost," is noted for its "marvelously pictorial music that evokes images of birds, great whales and creepy, crawly creatures." Soloists will include Leanne Freeman-Miller, assistant professor of voice at Drake and a soloist who has performed with the Des Moines Choral Society and Vocal Arts Ensemble; and James Taylor, assistant professor of voice at Drake. Taylor, who joined the Drake faculty in August, recently sang the role of Figaro in the New York City Opera Company's production of "The Barber of Seville." Drake alumnus Justin Montigne, now a graduate student in vocal performance at the University of Minnesota, also will be a soloist. Tickets are $6 for students and $12 for non-students. Tickets are available at the Drake Fine Arts Box Office, (515) 271-3841, and at Ticketmaster outlets. Tickets also can be charged by phone through Ticketmaster at (515) 243-1888.