- Christmas at Valpo features festive musical events
Valpo's annual tree lighting takes place Dec. 1 at 6 p.m. in front of the Christopher Center. The annual event, Christmas at Valpo, will begin on Dec. 2 and continue through Dec. 17. Throughout this special time at Valparaiso University, five major performances will take place, including the annual Valparaiso University Christmas Concert.
"The musical performances at Christmas time bring the community together in events that celebrate the festive mood of the season and reminds us of the holy mystery of this special time," said Joseph Bognar, chair of the Department of Music.
The first of five events is A Carol Festival: The Valparaiso University Christmas Concert. The concert will take place at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, and at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3 in the Chapel of the Resurrection. The concert features the Valparaiso University Chorale, Men's Choir, Women's Choir, Chamber Concert Band, and Symphony Orchestra. The audience will join the student performers in the singing of familiar carols. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for senior citizens and non-Valpo students, and are free for Valpo faculty, staff and students.
"For more than 80 years, the musical tradition of the Valparaiso University Christmas Concert has been a holiday gift to the residents of Northwest Indiana," Bognar said.
On Sunday, Dec. 4, two concerts will highlight a festive day in the Chapel of the Resurrection: TUBACHRISTMAS and Julefest. TUBACHRISTMAS begins at 2:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Visit tubachristmas.com for more information. Following TUBACHRISTMAS is Julefest at 4 p.m., which features the Valparaiso University Luce Concert Band and the Community/University Concert Band. Jeffrey Scott Doebler, professor of music, will serve as conductor. The concert is free and open to the public.
The Advent-Christmas Vespers service takes place at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9 in the Chapel of the Resurrection. The Vespers is a candlelight service of lessons and carols, recounting the advent prophecies and Christmas story through readings and songs. The Valpo traditional event features performances by the Valparaiso University Kantorei and the Handbell Choir of the Chapel of the Resurrection. The service is free and open to public. Reserved seating cards are available at the Chapel of the Resurrection.
On Saturday, Dec. 17, the final performance of Christmas at Valpo will be Handel's Messiah (Part I) and Bach's Christmas Oratorio (Part III). The concert will be performed by the Bach Institute at Valparaiso University and conducted by Christopher M. Cock. The concert will start at 5 p.m. in the Chapel of the Resurrection. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for senior citizens and non-Valpo students, and are free for Valpo faculty, staff and students.
For more information, visit valpo.edu/music or call the box office at 219-464-5162.