A ‘Festival of Lessons and Carols’ at the Hett on Dec. 11
Lebanon, Ill. — “A Festival of Lessons and Carols” will showcase the talent of students
from McKendree University’s new Visual and Performing Arts Division on Sunday, Dec.
11 at 3 p.m. at the Hettenhausen Center for the Arts. Admission is free.
In their first collaborative event, the Concert Choir, Chamber Choir, Dance Ensemble
and theatre students will celebrate and reflect on the Christmas season through song,
dance and scripture readings. “I hope the audience enjoys what all of our groups do.
It should be a lot of fun for everyone,” said Dr. Nancy Ypma, division chair.
The concert theme is modeled upon the Anglican Festival of Lessons and Carols performed
at many cathedrals and university chapels in England. The ceremony follows the Biblical
story from creation to the birth of Jesus Christ through scripture readings, carols
and dance.
Selections will include The Lamb by John Tavener, There is a Flower by John Rutter, There is No Rose by Benjamin Britten, and several traditional carols including Silent Night, O Holy Night and Sussex Carol. The Concert and Chamber Choirs will join for the carols Once in David’s Royal City and Silent Night by candlelight and conclude with audience participation in Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.
The McKendree Dance Ensemble will interpret Blessed Be that Maid Mary and Jacob Henss, a junior music major from Trenton, will perform a dance solo to
piano and flute accompaniment. A mural of angels has been created by the art department
to frame the performance on stage.
For more information, call the Hett box office (618) 537-6863.
-McK-
The Russel E. and Fern M. Hettenhausen Center for the Arts—“The Hett”—is Southern Illinois’ premier performing arts venue, presenting world class dance, drama, classical music and jazz. The 488-seat auditorium is located on the McKendree University campus in Lebanon, Illinois, 25 miles from downtown St. Louis. www.theHett.com
