OKLAHOMA CITY– A holiday ensemble of more than 250 OCU singers and orchestral musicians will celebrate the annual Christmas Vespers concert Dec. 10 and Dec. 11.
The OCU tradition, no win its 32nd year, culminates in a candlelight finale. This year’s theme is“The Word Appears Among Us,” featuring Jane Jayroe Gamble as narrator.
Tickets are available at the door for $12 or in advance from www.okcu.edu/tickets or 405-208-5227.
“The program is designed to inspire and comfort people during the Advent season and allow a sense of wonder and joy to enter their lives,” said Professor Judith Willoughby, associate director of choral activities and the Wanda L. Bass Choral Chair.
An organ and orchestral prelude begins at 7:30 p.m. The main program begins at 8 p.m. in Bishop W. Angie Smith Chapel. Music to be performed includes carol arrangements from France and Russia, and excerpts from Handel’s Messiah, the oratorio”St. Paul” by Mendelssohn, Lauridsen’s “O Magnum Mysterium”and Tavener’s “The Lamb.”
“This program blends familiar carols for the audience with scripture, poetry and some of the greatest seasonal music of all time,” said Dr. Randi Von Ellefson, director of choral activities at OCU’s Bass School of Music. “There are moments of grandeur and power as well as contemplative interludes of sheer beauty and quiet.”
The concert will feature Dr. Melissa Plamann, university organist, as well as the OCU Symphony Orchestra and four OCU vocal ensembles: the 52-member University Singers, Ad Astra, the 82-voice women’s choir; the 50-member University Men’s Chorus; and the 36 singers of Chamber Choir.
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