The theme of this year's Christmas at Luther Celebration is "Out of Darkness, Light". The concert takes place in the Center for Faith and Life at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, and involves six choral groups, the Luther College Symphony Orchestra, the College Organist, and The Luther Ringers handbell choir. Nearly 800 students take part in music ensembles at Luther, and the college has one of the largest undergraduate music programs in the nation.
Our broadcast begins with the Kyrie from Maurice Duruflé's Requiem, with Luther's combined choirs, Symphony Orchestra and organ, followed by American composer Sven Lekberg's Alleluia with the Cathedral Choir, conducted by Jennaya Robison.
This year's concert broadcast takes on an extra poignancy, given the Dec. 21, 2016, death of renowned choral director Weston Noble, best known for his 57-year tenure at Luther College.
Program
J.S. Bach: Gloria (from Mass in B-minor BWV 232)
Durufle: Kyrie (from Requiem, Op. 9)
Lekberg: Alleluia
Stroope: All My Heart This Night Rejoices
Arr. Berkey: Still, Still Night
Rutter: Carol of the Magi
Rachmaninov: Bogorditse Devo (from All-Night Vigil, Op. 37)
Fleury: Variations on a Burgundian Noel
Diaz: iLelga La Navidad! (Christmas Is Coming)
Respighi: The Pines of the Janiculum (from Pines of Rome)
Courtney: The Yearning
Arr. Wilberg: Still, Still, Still
Arr. Mokelbust/Smith: I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light/Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella
Arr. Forrest: O Come, All Ye Faithful
Produced by Mike Pengra and Andrea Blain.
Resources
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