The 2014-15 Wittenberg Series continues at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 12, 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 directed by Visiting Assistant Professor of Music Frances Fonza, the Wittenberg Handbell Choir directed by Professor Emerita of Music Trudy Faber, the Wittenberg Flute Choir directed by Adjunct Instructor of Music Lori Akins and the Wittenberg Chamber Orchestra directed by Associate Professor of Music Brandon Jones. 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. Skylar Folkens, class of 2015 from Cincinnati, 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. As the opening procession takes place, The Wittenberg Handbell Choir plays a series of “change rings,” which involve a complicated system of changing the bells with each ringing of the scale, resulting in a complete turnaround of the scale by the end of the series.
The choral music for the 2014 Lessons and Carols for Advent and Christmas service includes Adam Lay Ybounden by Boris Ord; Lo, How a Rose e'er Blooming, a 16th century melody by Michael Praetorius; A Choral Fanfare by Linda Spevacek, which will be performed with the Wittenberg Handbell Choir; and In Silent Night by Mitchell Southall. 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 and builds in intensity until all the bells are ringing with a fullness of joy and gladness.
Selections for the Chamber Orchestra and the Wittenberg Flute Choir include arrangements of Angels We Have Heard on High, The First Noel, Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on Greensleeves and the 13th century Burgundian Coventry Carol, among others.
Now in its 32nd year, the Wittenberg Series brings distinguished lecturers and performing artists of national and international prominence to the Wittenberg campus and Springfield community. To make special arrangements, request a Series poster, or become a friend of the Wittenberg Series, contact Nuggie Libecap at libecapn@wittenberg.edu.
