Image: Louis Davis (designer) and Thomas Cowell (maker), Madonna and Child, 1930s. © The Stained Glass Museum
We are called to be the love and light of God to all we meet in this fractured and divided world. Christmas Vespers 2023 seeks to bring us together in a community of love, peace, and hope. The service is titled “I Choose Love,” taking its title from the anthem by composer Mark A. Miller.
The program of music will include works of Baroque composers
Dietrich Buxtehude and J.S. Bach through composers of our time,
including works by Eric Whitacre, Rosephanye Powell, Susan LaBarr, and
Bob Chilcott, among others. Receiving its world premiere is “I Saw a
Star” by composer William Averitt on a text by Sara Teasdale and
incorporating the hymn tune and text Puer nobis. This work was
commissioned by the TLU Choir in honor of Nancy and Fred Carney for
their unwavering support of the choral program at Texas Lutheran
University.
Faculty members Dr. Elizabeth Lee (cello), Dr. Eric Siu (violin),
pianists Deb Mayes and Cristina Castro, and student violinist Samuel
Gaytan join their talents with the TLU Choir, TLU Treble Choir, and
Kantorei Chamber Choir. San Antonio actress, Sam Carter Gilliam, will
lead the listener through the service of music and word through the
Biblical figure of Ruth. The TLU Orchestral Winds and Percussion,
conducted by Director of Bands Dr. Brett Richardson, will join with the
choirs to bring music of the season and lead the congregation in the
singing of favorite Christmas hymns.
Join us for a service that seeks to lift hearts and spirits with peace, harmony, and hope.
For the performances at TLU, tickets are free, but required. They may be picked up at the TLU Bookstore or at the door; we are no longer mailing tickets at this time.