Tabor Performing Arts will open the Christmas season with the second annual “Festival of Christmas.”
The week will feature three programs from Tabor’s Contemporary Christian Music teams, Symphonic Band & Concert Choir, and the annual performance of Handel’s “Messiah.”
Each event will be held inside the Richert Auditorium of the Shari Flaming Center for the Arts. They are all free and open to the public.
“The Christmas season brings the most delightful and vibrant music,” said Dr. Greg Zielke, arts director and director of choirs. “There is so much music, especially choral music, that reveals the joy in celebrating the birth of our Savior and the gift He is to us.”
Christmas Worship from Tabor’s CCM teams will include contemporary and traditional versions of Christmas carols and hymns on Tuesday, Nov. 28 at 7 p.m. The event will feature a dozen songs from 12 different soloists. The groups are directed by David Martens, director of contemporary Christian music.
The Christmas Concert and Carol Sing will include performances from the Concert Choir, conducted by Zielke; Symphonic Band, conducted by Dr. R Christopher Teichler; and Chamber Voices, conducted by Prof. Brian Stranghoner, Friday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m.
The program is a compilation of performances from all three groups, alternating through the evening. Teichler’s composition “Incarnation” will conclude the evening.
“Tabor is in such a healthy place when it comes to the variety and diversity of musical expression,” Zielke said. “We’re thrilled to have students singing and leading worship, performing with our signature ensembles, the choir and band, and then diving in with such enthusiasm to prepare Handel’s ‘Messiah.’ It is a wonderful testimony to what we have to offer the entire Tabor and Hillsboro community.”
Handel’s “Messiah” will be performed Sunday, Dec. 3 at 4 p.m. Alumni, community members, family, and friends are invited to participate alongside the Concert Choir. Performers are welcome to bring their music, but it can be provided. There is no fee to participate, but all participants are required to attend rehearsals Saturday, Dec. 2 (10 a.m.) and Sunday, Dec. 3 (1-3 p.m.)
“Alumni and community members are fantastic examples to our students,” Zielke said. “We invite you to join us for this beloved Tabor tradition.”