The 79th annual Christmas with Wartburg performance, “The Everlasting Light,” will showcase the talents of more than 300 student musicians at concerts Dec. 5-7 in West Des Moines and Waverly.
Tickets sales begin Monday, Nov. 3, for shows Saturday, Dec. 6, at 3 and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 7, at 3 p.m. in Wartburg College’s Neumann Auditorium, as well as a performance at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines.
This year’s concert, designed by artistic director Lee Nelson, is inspired by “O Little Town of Bethlehem” and by the beauty and symbolism of the Advent wreath. The program will explore the light of the four Advent candles — hope, peace, joy and love — and how they illuminate the promise of the Christmas story and the enduring presence of Christ.
Renowned composer Dan Forrest created a new setting of “O Holy Night” for this year’s production.
“It’s such an honor for us to premiere this piece by Dan Forrest. He’s truly one of the most respected and inspiring composers writing today, and this piece reflects the heart of ‘The Everlasting Light,’ said Nelson, Wartburg’s Patricia R. Zahn Chair in Choral Conducting. “It isa stunning blend of beauty, wonder and hope that feels both timeless and brand new.”
Eight Wartburg musical groups will perform: Wartburg Choir, Wind Ensemble, Castle Singers, Ritterchor (a bass clef ensemble), St. Elizabeth Chorale (a treble clef ensemble), Kantorei (a liturgical choir), the Handbell Choir and Kammerstreicher (a chamber orchestra).
Nelson will direct the Wartburg Choir and Ritterchor. Lia Snead, assistant professor of music and director of bands, will direct the Wind Ensemble. Nicki Toliver, associate professor of music, will conduct the Castle Singers and St. Elizabeth Chorale. Rebecca Nederhiser, assistant professor of music, will direct Kammerstreicher. Karen Black, professor of music and college organist, will play the organ and lead Kantorei and the Handbell Choir.
“Christmas with Wartburg has always been more than a concert, it’s a sacred experience that invites people into the story of light breaking into the darkness,” Nelson said. “‘The Everlasting Light’ reminds us that the gifts of hope, peace, joy, and love can still shine brightly in all hearts.”
This year’s production is made possible, in part, through the support of Sukup Manufacturing. Tickets are $22 to $28 for all Waverly performances and $28 for the West Des Moines performance. A buffet dinner reception will be offered Friday at 6 p.m. in West Des Moines and in Waverly on Saturday and Sunday at 5 p.m. for an additional cost of $27; concert tickets are not required. Concert and reception tickets can be purchased online at www.wartburg.edu/christmas or by calling the Music Office at 319-352-8469 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
