Andrews Annual "Welcome Christmas" Concert

On Friday, Dec. 9, at 8 p.m.

Stephen Zork conducts in the Howard Performing Arts Center. (Photo by Clarissa Carbungco)

Andrews University cordially invites all to attend its annual “Welcome Christmas” concert on Friday, Dec. 9, at 8 p.m. The concert will take place at the Howard Performing Arts Center with inspiring choral music presented by the Andrews University Singers and Chorale under the direction of Stephen Zork, with graduate assistant conductor Cyril Punay.

The evening will begin with the anthem “He Shines,” composed by Andrews University student musician Grant Steinweg, based on the words from the New Testament Gospel John 1. “He Shines” will be followed by “My King is Comin’ Soon” by Kyle Pederson, introducing a festive garland of heartwarming carols. These include Will Todd’s “My Lord Has Come,” the stirring setting of “Silent Night” by Peter Angela, led by graduate conductor Janelle Dobson, the sprightly “Dance and Sing” by Ryan Murphy, led by graduate conductor Nicole Neugebauer, and Dan Forrest’s festive “Oh Come, All Ye Faithful.”

The centerpiece of the concert will be the Christmas portion of Handel’s “Messiah” with a baroque instrumental ensemble from the Andrews University Symphony Orchestra. The featured vocal soloists are Ryan Clough, tenor, Elsie Mokaya, soprano, Safari Dushime, soprano, Davielle Smith, alto, Raleigh Pettey, baritone and Robby Raney, bass.

The concert is a collaborative presentation designed to inspire all in attendance to depart as servants to everyone that Jesus Christ came to save. Admission is free, with a voluntary offering collected during the concert. For additional information, contact the Howard box office at 269-471-3560. For a full season schedule of events at the Howard Performing Arts Center, visit howard.andrews.edu.