78th annual Vespers marks holiday season

Carrying on a revered holiday tradition, KU students and faculty performed in two packed concerts Dec. 8 at the Lied Center in the University's 78th annual Vespers celebration. For generations of alumni, the annual December concert conjures memories of candlelight processions in beloved Hoch Auditorium.

Directing this year's edition were John Paul Johnson, who conducts the KU Choirs, and Timothy Hankewich, conductor for the KU Symphony Orchestra. Featured during the matinee and evening performances were works by two faculty members, "Gracious Creator" by Charles Hoag, professor of music and dance, and "The Christmas Silence" by Scott Watson, professor of music and dance. Special appearances included members of the KU Percussion Ensemble and Random Harmony, a popular student barbershop quartet.

In addition to traditional holiday favorites, such as "We Three Kings," "Christmas Day" and "Jingle Bell Rock," other highlights were "On This Day the Earth Shall Ring" and "Winter," from Vivaldi's "Four Seasons." The varied program also included "Ose Shalom (2002)," based on traditional Hebrew text; "Bethelehemu," a Nigerian Christmas song; and the gospel spiritual "Go Where I Send Thee."

Adding to the holiday spirit were songs by the Women's Chorale, the Men's Glee Club and Instrumental Collegium Musicum and organ concerts in the Bales Organ Recital Hall at the Lied Center.

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