Millikin University will present its 58th annual Vespers concerts on Saturday, Dec. 3 and Sunday, Dec. 4, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Performances will be held at Kirkland Fine Arts Center on the campus of Millikin University.
For more than 50 years Vespers (which means "evening prayer") has signaled the beginning of the holiday season with a sumptuous evening of carols, choirs and candlelight. Two hundred and fifty musicians join together for this joyous musical feast presented annually on the Millikin campus. Songs from past centuries combine with familiar carols and arrangements to create an evening of seasonal warmth for the whole family. Vespers is one of Millikin's most popular events, and has become a beloved tradition on campus and within the Decatur community.
This year's theme, "One Can Hear the Falling Snow," is meant to create the atmosphere popular with the annual show. The title comes from the song "Still, Still, Still," a common choral song many will identify with during the holiday concerts.
"Each year, Vespers provides a wonderful opening for the holiday season," said Dr. Brad Holmes, Millikin director of choral activities and artistic director for Vespers.
Dr. Holmes has conducted the Vespers concerts for over 25 years. Each year he adds new music to the traditional Christmas story told by the choir. "We explore the story in musical ways," Dr. Holmes said. "It has different music every year."
The musicians illuminate the concert hall with candlelight and other special lighting effects. "It adds some theatrical elements," Holmes said. "People hear choir concert and have an image in their mind. But it is more than just a bunch of people singing. They will find themselves in the spirit of things."
Click here to read more about this year's Vespers performances in an article from the Herald & Review.