University of Redlands School of Music Holds 39th Feast of Lights Vigil

Choral performances, congregational chants and hymns, scriptural readings and the lighting of the Christ Candle made up the program of the University of Redlands School of Music’s Feast of Lights Vigil at the University of Redlands Memorial Chapel on Nov. 10. A tradition that began in 1974, the Vigil serves as a prelude to the School’s annual Christmas celebration Feast of Lights, which will reach its 66th year when it takes place on Dec. 6, 7, 8, and 9. Director of Choral Studies Nicholle Andrews coordinated the Vigil and directed the Feast of Lights choirs, which was made up of three choirs: the Chapel Singers, Madrigal Singers and the University Choir. “The vigil represents preparation for the Feast and for the Christmas season,” she said. Andrews shared that some of the selections will be performed at the upcoming Feast of Lights, which will also feature the University Orchestra, University Trumpet Ensemble, Flute Choir and Percussion Ensemble. “It’s about 260 students on stage for the Feast,” she said. “Right now, it’s only about 120 people on stage.” The program began with two choral preludes composed by Johann Sebastian Bach and ended with a closing organ prelude - also written by Bach – by Artist Professor of Organ Frederick Swann, who accompanied the choirs throughout the evening. The main highlight of the evening was the lighting of the Christ Candle, which will remain lighted until the final performance of “Silent Night” at December’s Feast of Lights. Assistant Professor of Choral Studies Joseph Modica directed the Madrigal Singers and the University Choir. Between songs, Reverend John Walsh, the Omer E. Robbins Chaplain to the University, led the audience in back-and-forth chants, read the biblical prophecy of Isaiah of Christ’s birth, delivered a homily, and recited A Gaelic blessing by John Rutter. Walsh asked the audience to keep the victims of the recent super typhoon Haiyan, which to date has claimed thousands of lives in the Philippines and was making its way through Southeast Asia, in their thoughts that evening. The audience was invited to stand up and join the choirs in singing “Come, thou long expected Jesus,” “Oh, Come, Oh, Come, Emmanuel,” and “On Jordan’s Bank,” which they followed along to with the lyrical inserts in their programs. Attendees Karen and Alan Bergman were first-timers at the Vigil, but have attended the December Feast of Lights that it previews. They brought with them a group of friends, but admitted that when they arrived they were unsure of what to expect, except for “beautiful music,” since they have seen several other performances by the School of Music. “Traditions are important to celebrate Christmas and keep the meaning of Christmas alive,” said attendee Linda Anderson. “And with the Feast of Lights, it’s such a tradition in our town that we want to support it all that we can [and] pass it on to our children and grandchildren.” “It’s always great to be a part of this big tradition,” said alto Madrigal Singer Christie Lovstad, who is working towards her Bachelor of Music in Performance. “I heard that it’s our 40th year doing the Vigil itself. It’s just great every year seeing all the people coming back every single year. It’s becoming a bigger and bigger thing. It’s just great to see everyone smiling, especially afterwards when people come up to you.” Andrews recommends that those who want to attend the Feast of Lights “get your tickets fast, because they’re selling out for sure.” She encourages the public to bring food donations to the Feast of Lights; they will be collected by the Family Service Association of Redlands and will be distributed to low-income and homeless families in the community. Tickets for the Feast of Lights in December cost $25, $15 for seniors (65+), and $10 for students with valid ID. They can be purchased online at www.Redlands.edu/feastoflights, by phone at 909-748-8116, or at the Ticketing Office of Campus Events.