On Dec. 6, Concordia’s Christmas celebrations will return in full swing to close out 2021, starting with the annual Christmas Concert tradition, returning to the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. 

Last holiday season, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Music Department opted to film and air a televised PBS special. This year, in addition to performing at Segerstrom Concert Hall, a new PBS special will be produced and aired during the week of Christmas throughout Southern California. 

Members of the ensembles will be performing pieces from a variety of cultures and backgrounds. Some pieces are easily recognizable, such as “Carol of the Bells” or “Angels from the Realms of Glory,” while others come from more unknown artists and creators.

“I’m really looking forward to ‘Carol of the Bells,’ because the orchestration on it is absolutely amazing,” said Nils Norine, freshman.

“There are too many pieces that I’m excited for to name just one, '' said Brian Ho, sophomore. “I feel like they’re all pretty fun to sing together. There’s nothing I’m singing that I don’t like,” added Ho.

The performances did not come about without difficulty. Some ensembles were faced with quarantines and other delays or cancellations, which led to additional challenges surrounding performance and group synergy. 

“My groups have prepped well,” said Dr. Clarissa Shan, director of Men’s Chorus and Donne Di Canto. “We’re excited to be preparing this Segerstrom music even though we had to delay our concert earlier in the semester. We’re going to be working hard the next few weeks to have a good performance, and I’m very excited,” added Shan.

“Having to learn so many songs has been difficult, and it’s just been one thing after another,” said Ho. “There’s been a ton on my plate, but when I’m performing and rehearsing, I don’t feel tired. I feel like I can just keep going,” added Ho.

This performance is a well-loved tradition among the Music Department, and many performers were disappointed that COVID caused last year’s performance to be cancelled, making this year’s performance that much more special. 

“The thing about Christmas is that all the ensembles are featured together, which only happens once a year,” said Shan. “It’s an incredibly special experience for the performers who’ve worked so hard to make this happen, in spite of all the difficulties.”

Repeat the Sounding Joy: A Concordia Christmas will be taking place on Mon., Dec. 6, with two performances, one at 4 p/m/ and the other at 7:30 p.m.. To purchase tickets, visit https://www.cui.edu/arts/music/events/repeat-the-sounding-joy-a-concordia-christmas 

Tags: Alexander Carr, event

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