Voices of Christmas Concert"" ushers in holiday season with recital of sacred vocal literature

Lacey Klotz | 

Lipscomb University’s School of Music is offering another opportunity to usher in the holidays with its “Voices of Christmas Concert” on Sunday, Dec. 4 at 2 p.m. in Lipscomb’s Ward Hall. This event is free and open to the public.

Presented by students in Lipscomb’s vocal studio program and Lipscomb’s Vocal Jazz Ensemble, this recital of sacred vocal literature aims to honor the most important part of Christmas, the birth of Jesus.

“The Voices of Christmas recital is a wonderful way to begin the holiday season,” said Gary P. Wilson, director of choral and vocal studies at Lipscomb. “The performance features our upper level vocal students performing songs including ‘Go Tell it on the Mountain’ and ‘O, Holy Night’ will be familiar to the audience. ‘Oh, Thou That Tellest Good Tidings to Zion’ comes from Handel's Messiah, the quintessential Christmas work. The Vocal Jazz Ensemble will also sing several carol arrangements including ‘Angels Carol’ and ‘Candlelight Carol.’

“I hope you'll join us for this beautiful celebration of Christ's birth!”

Student soloists featured in the concert include:

  • Zack Eccleston (baritone) – performing “Christkind,” from Weihnachtslieder and “The Cradle in Bethlehem.”
  • Donnely Lewis (mezzo-soprano) – performing “There’s a Song in the Air!” and “Bethlehem.”
  • Laura Pulley (soprano) – performing “What Songs Were Sung.”
  • Savannah Turpin (mezzo-soprano) – performing “Lo! How a Rose E’er Blooming” and  “Die Hirten (The Shepherds)” from Weihnachtslieder?.
  • Juan Munoz (baritone) – performing “Go Tell It on the Mountain” and “I Wonder as I Wander.”
  • Kat DeVore (mezzo-soprano) – performing “O Thou that Tellest Good Tidings to Zion from Messiah.”
  • Savannah Swanson (soprano) – performing “Quia Respexit from Magnificat” and “Gesu Bambino.”
  • Ethan Bennett (baritone) – performing “Nun wandre, Maria” and “O Holy Night.”
  • Carson Burch (baritone) – performing “Holy Infants Lullaby” and “Sweet Little Jesus Boy.”
  • Sarah Wood (soprano) – performing “A Slumber Song of the Madonna.”
  • Elizabeth Schenck (soprano) – performing “Angels from the Realms of Glory” and “Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella.”
  • Sarah Sharp (soprano) – performing “Birthday of a King.”
  • Tate Burns (tenor) – performing “Bright Star.”

The Vocal Jazz Ensemble will perform:

  • “Wexford Carol”
  • “Donkeys Carol”
  • “Straw Carol”
  • “Shepherds Pipe Carol”
  • “Candlelight Carol”

Respected conductor and scholar, Wilson directs Lipscomb’s choral and vocal studies program, A Cappella Singers and Chamber Singers as wells as directs the Vocal Jazz Ensemble and oversees our vocal studio program. Under Wilson’s leadership, students receive a wide range of vocal repertoire and performance experience, focused private study and career direction.

The School of Music, housed in the College of Entertainment & the Arts, shares Lipscomb University’s commitment to Christian liberal arts education and functions as an integral part of that commitment. Its mission is to lead students to an appreciation and comprehension of the creative spirit across time and culture, within the context of the Christian faith.

For more information, contact School of Music at 615.966.5929.