A Time of Wonder and Song
The time for awe inspiring music is almost here! Please join Pacific Lutheran University's Choir of the West, the University Chorale and members of the University Symphony Orchestra in what has become one of the region's most inspirational Christmas celebrations. This year's concert has special significance as it will take place in three new venues: Seattle's Benaroya Hall (Dec. 7), Portland's Newmark Theater (Dec. 5), and three performances (Dec. 6, 10, 11) in PLU's Lagerquist Concert Hall.
Our theme this year is "From Heaven Above," inspired by composer Felix Mendelssohn's cantata "Vom Himmel Hoch," which will be performed by our combined forces at the climax of the program. This work is in six movements, with a vigorous opening chorus built on the familiar carol, "From Heaven Above to Earth I Come." This year is the 200th anniversary of Mendelssohn's birth, and we join the musical world in celebration of this composer's life and work.
The combined choirs and orchestra will open the concert with Lara Hoggard's powerful arrangement of the medieval carol, "Personent Hodie," and will also perform a colorful "Gloria" by Dallas composer Randol Allan Bass. In addition, University Pastor Nancy Connor's accompanying oratory and the Choir of the West and the University Chorale will each perform sets of beautiful and interesting Christmas works. The audience will participate as well, joining with our students to sing several beloved carols during this jubilant event.