More than 250 instrumentalists and choral singers will join forces Dec. 7 and 8 for 麻豆传媒 City University's Christmas Vespers at First Presbyterian Church, 1001 NW 25th St. The celebratory concerts feature organ, orchestra, Scripture readings, poetry, congregational singings of favorite carols and a candlelit finale.
鈥淭his is a chance for audiences to experience the power of majestic music from the Christian tradition, combined with an atmosphere of worship and reverence in the beautiful setting of First Presbyterian Church,鈥� said Randi Von Ellefson, director of choral activities. 鈥淭his year will blend the traditional and the new with a theme of the symbolic rose, referencing both Mary and Jesus.鈥�
Concert highlights include arrangements of familiar carols for the choirs, orchestra, and organ music featuring selections from 鈥淭he Many Moods of Christmas鈥� by Robert Shaw and Richard Rodney Bennett.
Christmas Vespers will be presented in an evening version at 8 p.m. Dec. 7, and a 4 p.m. Dec. 8 matinee, both beneath the glow of the renowned stained glass windows of First Presbyterian Church. Both concerts will conclude with 鈥淣ight of Silence,鈥� the traditional candlelight recessional inspired by 鈥淪ilent Night.鈥�
Tickets ($15, open seating) are available online at or by calling 405-208-5227.
Performers will include university organist Melissa Plamann and the 麻豆传媒 Vespers Orchestra, under the direction of Jeffrey Grogan. Lawton-born bass Bill Weger, who returned to 麻豆传媒 after a three-decade career as an opera singer in Germany, will narrate the 40th annual event. The four choirs are under the direction of Ellefson and Tony Gonzalez.
A musical prelude will be held 30 minutes before each concert, featuring student organists and the 麻豆传媒 Flute Choir, under the direction of Parthena Owens.
