Oklahoma City University invites the community to celebrate the holiday season with Christmas Vespers. More than 250 singers and orchestra musicians will perform a celebratory concert featuring organ, scripture readings, poetry, congregational singing of favorite carols and a candlelit finale. Christmas Vespers will be presented in an evening version at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8 and a matinee at 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, beneath the glow of the renowned stained glass windows of Oklahoma City’s First Presbyterian Church, 1001 N.W. 25th St.
Performers will include university organists Melissa Plamann and the Oklahoma City University Vespers Orchestra, under the direction of Jeffrey Grogan. Susan Barber, the university’s former provost, will narrate the 39th annual event.
“Every Vespers we try to do something a little different,” Randi Von Ellefson, director of choral activities, said. “This year will be a perfect blend of the traditional and the new.”
The concerts will open with a 2017 work by David Rasbach, “We Shall Light a Thousand Candles,” followed by an orchestral version of “We Three Kings” and three movements from “Jubilate Deo – Rejoice in God” by Dan Forrest. The evening will conclude with “Night of Silence,” the traditional candlelight recessional inspired by “Silent Night.” Ellefson and Tony Gonzalez will lead the choirs.
A musical prelude will be held 30 minutes before each concert, featuring student organists and the Oklahoma City University Flute Choir, under the direction of Parthena Owens. For tickets and additional information, visit okcu.edu/tickets.
