It is that season again, when the weather begins to get cold and the college campus starts to show signs of the Christmas holiday. With this season, comes an event that brings the campus together to enjoy the music of the holidays. The perfect event to showcase these sounds is “Christmas at Monmouth,” an annual tradition at MC.

This year’s “Christmas at Monmouth” theme is “Sit Lux: Music of Light.” “Sit Lux” is the original motto of the college and is brought to life in the form of holiday music. This year’s program will feature three campus groups: the Monmouth College Chorale, under the direction of Sarah Graham, director of choral activities and vocal studies; the Monmouth Winds, under the direction of Stephen Richter, director of instrumental activities, instrumental methods, theory and woodwinds; and the Monmouth Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of Carolyn Suda, director of the string program and music appreciation.  Also, guest accompanist Dr. Jay N. Regennitter will be opening the evening with two organ pieces, which will start ten minutes before the actual concert begins, and Rev. Dr. Kathleen Fannin and student chaplain Sanju Gautam will narrate the evening’s concert.

Each group will present an array of music. The Wind Ensemble will perform three interesting pieces of music, “O Magnum Mysterium” by Morten Lauredsen, “Lux Aurumque” by Eric Whitacre and “Ecce Sacardos” by Anton Bruckner.  The Chamber Orchestra will play a Corelli Christmas concerto and a song in conjunction with the Chorale.  However, the highlight of the night will be the world premiere of “Sit Lux,” a brand new piece performed by the Chorale.

This piece was composed specially for the Monmouth College Chorale by internationally known choral composer Dr. Donna Gartman Schultz. Schultz has been able to work with the Chorale and will be in attendance on the night of the concert. “Sit Lux” was inspired by the College motto at the top of the Dahl Chapel. This promises to be a wonderful evening full of great music.  The musicians and instructors have worked hard to create the sounds of the holidays. 

Graham commented on her excitement for the concert and Schultz’s presence at the concert.  “I’m really excited about this year’s program. All three of the conductors involved have selected music that fits together perfectly -- the audience should be enthralled. We’re especially excited that the composer will be here for both performances of the new piece.”

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