William Penn University Music Department to Present a Service of Lessons and Carols
William Penn University
The William Penn University Music Department will present a Service of Lessons and Carols on Saturday, December 6, 2014 at 7:30 pm at the College Avenue Friends Church. This traditional blending of scripture and seasonal music will feature the William Penn Singers, soloists, instrumentalists, and student conductors. Readings will be given by William Penn University President John Ottosson, Vice President of Academic Affairs Noel Stahle, and representatives from each of the Academic Divisions of the College of Arts, Sciences, and Professional studies (CASPS). A reception will be given by College Avenue Friends following the service. It will be held in Fellowship Hall in the lower level of the church.
Student conductors will not only perform, but will have the opportunity to demonstrate their skills by directing the chorale ensemble and instrumentalists. Scott Cressley, WPU Director of Instrumental Music and instructor of the conducting courses, states, “It is one thing to practice conducting in the classroom—it is another challenge to conduct live musicians in a concert setting.” For music and music education majors, this exercise is a crucial tool in their leadership abilities.
The Service of Lessons and Carols began at King’s College in Cambridge, England in 1918. Over the years, the carols have changed, but “the backbone of the service, the lessons and the prayers, has remained virtually unchanged” according to King’s College. “Our intent is to give our listeners a time of reflection during this season of Advent. There is an abundance of beautiful music composed for the Season, yet we often hear it out of context. It is intentional that the scriptures that inspired the composers be combined with a performance of the music”, comments Anita Meinert, WPU Director of Vocal and Keyboard Music.
All members of the community are cordially invited to attend this service and reception and encouraged to add their voices to selected hymns, including Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus”.
Admission to the concert is free.
