The Department of Music will conduct its annual Christmas Vespers Concert at 8 p.m. on Sunday at First Baptist Church of Abilene. Admission to the concert is free, and it is open to the entire community.
The theme of the concert is “Noel” and will feature traditional Christmas music, scripture readings, poems and liturgy. The ACU Orchestra, the A Cappella Chorus and the University Chorale will perform, joined by Wes Gomer, the organist at the Church of the Heavenly Rest.
Dr. Steven Ward, director of bands and orchestra, said Christmas Vespers has become an annual tradition for the Abilene community. He said this year’s concert will also feature some special guests.
This is the third year Christmas Vespers has been performed at First Baptist Church of Abilene, and Ward said the audience can expect a wonderful evening of music, scripture and carols.
“There will be a brass ensemble, and also performing is Wes Gomer, the organist for the Church of the Heavenly Rest of Abilene,” Ward said. “This is a really special annual tradition that the music department started about three years ago.”
Ward said a filming of the concert will also be aired locally on Channel 7, Abilene’s educational and government channel, throughout the Christmas season
The A Cappella Chorus will perform six or seven pieces, some of which they will perform with the University Chorale. They will also perform a men’s and women’s piece.
Arielle Collier, junior vocal performance major from Mesquite, said there are about 40 students in the A cappella Chorus and about 40 or 50 in the A Cappella Chorus. She has performed in Christmas Vespers the past two years.
“I think the concert is a great way to get the community involved. Having it at First Baptist Church brings out more people as opposed to having it on campus,” Collier said. “It is the most attended concert they give each year, and I love being in it.”
Jill Nelson, senior music education major from Fort Worth, sings in the University Chorale. She said the concert is good for the community.
“I love it so much, I can’t imagine doing any thing else,” Jill said. “ACU has a very good music department. It’s very rewarding to be part of it.”
