Springfield, Ohio – The 2013-14 Wittenberg Series continues at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 13, with the annual Lessons and Carols for Advent and Christmas service at Wittenberg University’s Weaver Chapel. The event is free and open to the public, with pre-service music starting at 7 p.m.
Music will be provided by more than 125 musicians, including the Wittenberg Choir and the Wittenberg Singers, Visiting Assistant Professor of Music Jimmy Shepherd, director; the Wittenberg Handbell Choir, Professor Emerita of Music Trudy Faber, director; the Wittenberg Flute Choir, Adjunct Instructor of Music Lori Akins, director; and the Wittenberg Chamber Orchestra, Associate Professor of Music Brandon Jones, director. University Organist and Adjunct Instructor of Music David Crean and Adjunct Instructor Diane Slagle, piano, will accompany the choirs.
The chapel is prepared by David P. and Carol Matevia Endowed University Pastor Rachel Tune. Lucas McSurley, class of 2014 from Wilmington, Ohio, will serve as cantor for this year’s service.
As in past years, the ceremony begins with the Service of Light, at which time the chapel is enveloped in darkness and gradually illuminated by hundreds of candles. The Wittenberg Bell Choir plays a series of “change rings” as the opening procession takes place and Weaver Chapel slowly becomes illuminated.
The choral music in the 2013 Lessons and Carols for Advent and Christmas service includes What Sweeter Music by Eleanor Daley, and two pieces arranged by Paul Caldwell and Sean Ivory, Children, Go Where I Send Thee, and Hope for Resolution. In addition, the Handbell Choir will play Carol of the Bells, written by Ukranian composer Mykola Leontovych, from a type of folk chant known as Schedrivky and originally used to celebrate the coming of the New Year or Epiphany. It begins softly with a single bell ringing, then builds in intensity until all the bells are ringing with a fullness of joy and gladness.
The 2013 service will also feature a harpist with the Wittenberg Chamber Orchestra. Mary Beth Bechler, class of 2017 from Golden, Colo., will play a solo in the pre-service music based on the Christian folk hymn, I Wonder as I Wander, arranged by Carlos Salzedo. The Wittenberg Flute Choir, Chamber Orchestra and Handbell Choir will also share music before the service begins.
In its 31st year, the Wittenberg Series continues to bring distinguished lecturers and performing artists of national and international prominence to the Wittenberg campus and Springfield community. To make special arrangements, reserve a Series poster, or become a friend of the Wittenberg Series, call 937-206-3539 or send an email to jfox@wittenberg.edu.
