SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Evangel University Department of Music will present its 36th Annual Christmas Concert on Friday, December 6, at 7:00 p.m. in the Robert H. Spence Chapel.
More than 200 musicians will be performing in a variety of ensembles, including the Evangel University Orchestra, University Chorus, University Chorale, Men’s Vocal Ensemble, Women’s Chamber Ensemble, HeartSong, and the ever-popular Jazz Orchestra.
The event is open to the public, and admission to this regional holiday favorite is either a non-perishable food item or a cash donation to benefit The Salvation Army.
The doors will open at 6 p.m. The chapel is located at 1111 N. Glenstone Ave., in Springfield, Missouri.
A prelude will begin at 6:15 p.m., featuring the Suzuki Strings under the direction of Starla Blair. An organ prelude will follow at 6:45 p.m., featuring Dr. Mark Bowdidge, adjunct professor of music, and students Heather Culbertson and Vance Bushong.
Benefiting the community
The 80-minute Christmas Concert will range from classical to traditional Christmas songs, including the Orchestra favorite, “Sleigh Ride,” the Jazz Orchestra’s version of “The Christmas Song,” and the majestic “Come and Worship.”
The entire performance will be live-streamed on the Evangel website, for those unable to make it to town.
“Our annual Christmas Concert is both a gift to the community at large and a tangible way to assist the Salvation Army as they bless our neighbors,” said Dr. Tom Matrone, chair of the Department of Music.
The Salvation Army’s nationwide campaign enables them to provide food, toys and clothing to more than six million people during the Christmas season.
Last year’s Christmas Concert at Evangel raised $1,500 and more than 800 pounds of food for local distribution.
Music at Evangel
The Department of Music at Evangel University offers majors in music education, music performance, recording technology and worship leadership. Each program is carefully designed to ensure that students build strong musical skills, gain professional training and experience a wide range of musical activities.
The department is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music and the Missouri Association of Departments & Schools of Music.
For more information, contact the Evangel University Music Department at (417) 865-2811, ext. 7211.
Evangel University, with the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary (AGTS), is a comprehensive Christian university committed to excellence in educating and equipping students to serve the church and society globally. Evangel and AGTS serve more than 2,300 students from all 50 states and numerous foreign countries, offering 70 undergraduate majors and 19 master’s and doctoral degrees.
###
PHOTOS BY: Paul K. Logsdon 2018