Christmas Concert Program

WELCOME to the 2022 Concordia Christmas Concert – Star Of Bethlehem, Lead Us To Peace

As I was beginning to shape this year’s concert, my reflections revolved around this question: What makes us return to this season and to this journey to find the baby born in a humble cattle stall again this year? With many different kinds of wars raging around our country and the world, I was drawn to the idea that our journey this year is inspired by our need to meet the baby Jesus born as our Prince of Peace. And though he is always with us, nudging us toward peace, are we listening to his messages or finding inspiration from his actions and words? Those are the questions and the seeds that stayed with me throughout the spring and early summer as music was being selected and as narrations were being chosen, and I hope you pause and reflect a bit, too, as we allow the star of Bethlehem to lead us on our way.

We will offer this year’s concerts in memory of two angels who have contributed positively and shared much with the world through their art.

For many years, I’ve been inspired by the liturgical poetry and writings of Susan Palo Cherwien, a writer based in the Twin Cities. Her words have graced each of my first three years of Concordia Christmas Concerts, and will continue to do so for many years to come. Susan passed away on Dec. 28, 2001.

J. Robert Hanson was a musical force at Concordia College, where he worked from 1966-1995. He served as conductor of The Concordia Band and later as conductor of The Concordia Orchestra. From 1986-1994, Dr. Hanson led the orchestra during the Christmas Concerts, and his colorful composition style led to several of his pieces being used as preludes and audience hymns, two of which we’ll include on this year’s program. “J. Bob” passed away on June 2, 2022.

Lastly, on behalf of the Concordia College Music Department, I want to acknowledge and thank President William and Anne Craft as they celebrate their final Christmas season at Concordia. Their support of our efforts with this concert from year to year has been most appreciated, and we wish them well in their retirements at the end of this academic year.

Thank you all for being with us at these concerts. I hope you enjoy some old favorites and are inspired by something new you hear as we celebrate the Christmas season through the music-making of our gifted students.

ARTIST STATEMENT

I am so thankful to have the opportunity to create this year’s Christmas mural, “Star of Bethlehem, Lead Us to Peace.” When I began speaking to Dr. Culloton last June about this year’s program, it was apparent to me that a huge, glowing star should welcome everyone. I wanted to transition the star to the Prince of Peace by connecting the flare of the star and the hair of the Christ child. From there, Mary embracing and kissing Jesus shows a very tender moment. Dr. Culloton also asked me to hide the Latin word “pax” in the mural somewhere for you to find. Its meaning? “The kiss of peace.”

Mary appears four times in this year’s mural: the center panel’s embrace; the angel’s annunciation to Mary; Elizabeth and Mary embracing over their pregnancies; and in the stable with Joseph and the baby Jesus. The city of Bethlehem fills the entire background, linking the mural left to right. Diagonal breaks separate some of the scenes, signifying elapsed time between the wisemen’s journey and the birth of Jesus.

There are two uncommon elements present in this visual. Though the theme this year is “peace,” there are no doves present; instead, I placed a rooster in the stable scene. Fitting as a farm animal, it also foreshadows the moment at the Last Supper when Jesus told Peter that he would deny him three times before the rooster’s crow. Similarly, the center-most portion of the star is in the shape of a cross, because Jesus came into the world to die for us and bring us peace.

I hope we all remember how blessed we are by the birth of the Prince of Peace. Merry Christmas and enjoy the concert!

No photographs or recordings are permitted.

Chimes

Prelude on How Brightly Shines the Morning Star

Each Winter As the Year Grows Older

Each winter as the year grows older, we each grow older, too. The chill sets in a little colder; the verities we knew seem shaken and untrue. When race and class cry out for treason, when sirens call for war, they overshout the voice of reason and scream till we ignore all we held dear before.

NARRATION

Annabeth Gay

Why do the nations rage so furiously together? Why do the people mutter empty threats? Why do the kings of the earth rise up in revolt, and the princes plot together against the Lord and against the Lord’s anointed? Be warned, you rulers of the earth. Submit to the Lord with fear, and with trembling bow in worship; lest the Lord be angry, and you perish.

Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence

Let all mortal flesh keep silence and stand with fear and trembling, and lift itself above all earthly thought.

For the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Christ our God, cometh forth to be our oblation, and to be given for food to the faithful.

Before Him come the choirs of angels with every principality and power; the Cherubim with many eyes, and winged Seraphim, who veil their faces as they shout exultingly the hymn: Alleluia!

Let all mortal flesh keep silence and stand with fear and trembling.

Edward Cuthbert Bairstow

Joy lives on silence.

Where the people are outraged, where human nature rebels, where our piety keeps a nervous distance: there, precisely there, God loves to be.

Our pilgrimage in life is an ever deepening, ever broadening spiral deeper into God, deeper into Christ, broadening out into more and more of the world. In the unlimited center of the spiral is Christ the one who wishes us peace the one who is peace. Our pilgrimage in life is a spiral around and into the Christ who walks with us, listens to us, changes us, and grants us peace.

How Far is it to Bethlehem

arr. Paul J. Christiansen

How far is it to Bethlehem? Not very far. Shall we find the stable room lit by a star? Can we see the little child, is he within? If we lift the wooden latch may we go in? For all weary children make wars to cease, O Star of Bethlehem, Lead Us to Peace.

Each Winter As the Year Grows Older Annabeth Gay

So even as the sun is turning to journey to the north, the living flame, in secret burning, can kindle on the earth and bring God’s love to birth.

O Child of ecstasy and sorrows, O Prince of peace and pain, brighten today’s world by tomorrow’s, renew our lives again; Lord Jesus, come and reign.

PROCESSIONAL HYMN

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel arr. J. Robert Hanson

Please stand as you are able when the music begins and join in singing

1. All (Audience and Choirs)

O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel, that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel.

2.

All Sopranos and Altos (Audience and Choirs)

O come, O Wisdom from on high, embracing all things far and nigh; in strength and beauty come and stay; teach us your will and guide our way. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel.

Narration (orchestral interlude)

O Lord, come and show your people the way to salvation. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.

3. All Tenors and Basses (Audience and Choirs)

O come, O Dayspring, come and cheer; O Sun of justice, now draw near; Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, and death’s dark shadow put to flight. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel.

4. All (Audience and Choirs)

O come, O King of nations, come, O Cornerstone that binds in one: refresh the hearts that long for you; restore the broken, make us new. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel.

Please be seated

NARRATION

This is, indeed, a most holy night. The stars shine as they lead us on our journey to re-discover who is waiting for us in the manger. This little babe, and yet the King of Kings. He is waiting for us in a stable surrounded by animals and in the form of a baby. Star of Bethlehem, as you once led kings and shepherds to the stable, lead us on our Christmas pilgrimage to welcome and embrace the child born our Prince of Peace.

O Holy Night

O holy night, the stars are brightly shining, it is the night of our dear Savior’s birth. Long lay the world in sin and error pining, till He appeared and the soul felt its worth. A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks the new and glorious morn: Fall on your knees. O hear the angel voices! O night divine, O night when Christ was born. O night, O holy night, O night divine!

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming, with glowing hearts by his cradle we stand. Led by a star, above them brightly gleaming, appeared the wise men from far Eastern land. The King of Kings lay in a lowly manger, to us this day is born to be our God: Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices, O night divine, O night when Christ was born. O night, O holy night, O night divine!

NARRATION

The angel Gabriel was sent from God to Nazareth, to a virgin whose name was Mary. And Gabriel came to her and said, “Hail, O favored one, the Lord is with you! Do not be afraid, for you have found favor with God. You will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call him Jesus.”

Splendid Jewel Stephen Paulus

Hail, hail devout virgin, splendid jewel, Maria! Now sing we with great delight of our perfect love, who prays for us to Christ who is our light and way.

Hail, hail devout virgin, splendid jewel, Maria! All you whose minds are in heaven, now sing sweetly, rightly presenting this gift to Christ and the Virgin Mary.

Hail, hail devout virgin. High and glorious lady, mother of the most merciful Jesus, you are the rose of heaven, than which there is none more beautiful.

Splendid Maria! Hail, hail devout virgin, splendid jewel, Maria!

NARRATION

Later, Mary went to the city of Judah to the house of Zechariah, and greeted her relative Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe (who was John) leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? When the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my savior.”

Over the Hills Young Mary Hastes

Over the hills young Mary hastes to see her kin Elizabeth. As Mary greets her, hands upraised, Elizabeth sings Mary’s praise and calls her Mother of the Lord. Then Mary’s heart joyfully soared: “My soul proclaims God’s greatness; my spirit now rejoices; He is my Savior and my God. He evermore is merciful.”

Why sit we idly then about? To see her let us also go to the mount so that our greeting may impart the spirit’s entrance to each heart. Whereby the heart glad songs shall raise and lips exult in faithful praise: “My soul proclaims God’s greatness; my spirit now rejoices; He is my Savior and my God. He evermore is merciful.”

NARRATION

And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was that while they were there the time came for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

O Magnum Mysterium

Ivo Antognini Sung in Latin

O great mystery and wonderful sacrament, that animals should see the new-born Lord lying in a manger!

Blessed is the Virgin, whose womb was worthy to bear Christ the Lord. Hail Mary, full of grace: the Lord is with you.

Blessed is the Virgin whose womb was worthy to bear Christ the Lord. Alleluia!

What Child is This

What child is this, who, laid to rest, on Mary's lap is sleeping?

Whom angels greet with anthems sweet while shepherds watch are keeping? This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing; Haste, haste to bring him laud, the babe, the son of Mary!

Why lies he in such mean estate where ox and ass are feeding?

Good Christian, fear; for sinners here the silent Word is pleading. This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing; Haste, haste to bring him laud, the babe, the son of Mary!

So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh; come one and all to own Him.

The King of Kings salvation brings; let loving hearts enthrone Him. This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing; Haste, haste to bring him laud, the babe, the son of Mary!

This Endris Night

This endris night, I saw a sight, a star as bright as day, And ever among this maiden sung: “Lully, by by, lullay lullay.”

This lovely lady sat and sang, and to her child did say: My son, my brother, my father dear, why liest thou thus in hay? My sweetest bird, ‘tis thus required, though thou be King veray, But nevertheless, I will not cease to sing: “By by, lullay.”

The Child then spake whilst she did sing, and to his mother did say: Yea, I am known as Heaven-King in crib though I be laid. For angels bright down on me light, thou knowest ‘tis no nay. And for that sight thou may delight to sing, “By by lullay, lullay.”

Now, sweet son, since it is so, that all is at thy will, I pray thee grant to me a boon, if it be right and skill, That child or man, who will or can, be merry on my day, To bliss them bring, and I shall sing, “Lully, by by, lullay, lullay.”

NARRATION

Now there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the fields, keeping watch over their flocks by night. And lo, an angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. Then the angel said to them, “Fear not, for I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: You will find a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

Going through the hills on a night all starry

On the way to Bethlehem, Far away I heard a shepherd boy piping On the way to Bethlehem.

Refrain: Angels in the sky brought this message nigh: "Dance and sing for joy that Christ the newborn King is come to bring us peace on earth, and he's lying cradled there at Bethlehem."

"Tell me, shepherd boy piping tunes so merrily On the way to Bethlehem, Who will hear your tunes on these hills so lonely On the way to Bethlehem?” Refrain

"None may hear my pipes on these hills so lonely On the way to Bethlehem; But a King will hear me play sweet lullabies When I get to Bethlehem."

Angels in the sky came down from on high Hovered o’er the manger where the babe was lying cradled in the arms of his mother Mary, sleeping now at Bethlehem.

"Where is this new King, shepherd boy piping merrily, Is he there at Bethlehem?"

"I will find him soon by the star shining brightly in the sky o’er Bethlehem." Refrain

"May I come with you, shepherd boy piping merrily, Come with you to Bethlehem? Pay my homage too at the new King's cradle, is it far to Bethlehem?" Refrain

NARRATION

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will to all people.”

Ogo ni fun Oluwa! (Glory to God in the Highest!) ......................

Powell Sung in Yoruba

Glory to God in the highest! Rejoice, clap, and dance! Jesus Christ has come to bring unity and peace.

NARRATION

“Glory” sing the angels. “Glory” sing the shepherds. “Glory” sing the heavens. “Glory” we sing. God shows us in this starlit night that the holy is found here on earth. God shows us in the glory nestled in the rocky manger the glory of each ordinary place. God shows us in the glory shining from Mary, Joseph, and Jesus the glory of each ordinary human face. “Glory” we sing.

All My Heart This Night Rejoices Z. Randall Stroope

Refrain: All my heart, all this night rejoices, As I hear far and near sweetest angel voices, “Gloria in excelsis Deo!”

All the air, and everywhere, “Gloria!”

Come let us all both great and small sing “Gloria!” Hail the star where hope is burning, “Gloria!” Who with love is yearning, “Gloria!” Refrain

Come and dwell in glory forever and ever. Far on high in joy that can alter never. Dwell in the house of Love forever and ever, “Gloria!” Refrain

AUDIENCE CAROL

O Little Town of Bethlehem

......................................... arr. Aaron David Miller

Please stand as you are able when the music begins and join in singing

1. All (Audience and Choirs)

O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie! Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by; yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light. The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.

2. All Tenors and Basses (Audience and Choirs)

For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above while mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wond’ring love. O morning stars, together proclaim the holy birth, and praises sing to God the King and peace to all the earth.

3. All Sopranos and Altos (Audience and Choirs)

How silently, how silently the wondrous gift is giv’n! So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of his heav’n. No ear may hear his coming, but in this world of sin, where meek souls will receive him, still the dear Christ enters in.

4. All (Audience and Choirs)

O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray, cast out our sin and enter in, be born in us today. We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell; O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel!

Please be seated

Carols of the Star

Beautiful Star of Bethlehem trad. American Brightest and Best trad. American Rise Up Shepherd and Follow arr. Paul Nesheim

AUDIENCE CAROL

Silent Night

Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright. Round yon virgin mother and child. Holy infant so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night, holy night, shepherds quake at the sight; Glories stream from heaven afar, heavenly hosts sing alleluia, Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born.

Please stand as you are able

Silent night, holy night, Son of God, Love’s pure light, Radiant beams from thy holy face, with the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord at thy birth. Jesus, Lord at thy birth.

Please be seated

arr. René Clausen

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” Herod sent the wise men to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I, too, may go and worship him.” The wise men went on their way, and the star they had seen in the East went before them, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Wise Men Came Journeying

Wise men came journeying, once, long ago, camel hooves swirling the sand dune and snow, gold in the saddlebag, myrrh in the jar, incense to honor the Child of the star.

Wise are the travelers led to move on following signs where the Christ light has shone, facing the deserts and crossing the lines, heeding no limits that culture defines.

Wise are each one of us looking for change, stargazer people, respecting the strange, inner and outer worlds open to light, centered on seeing the real and the right.

Wise ones keep journeying all through their days bringing their gifts to the source of their praise, risking the Promise with all they hold dear, seeking God’s peace at the door of the year.

Praise to the Lord

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation. O my soul praise Him for He is thy health and salvation. All ye who hear, now to His temple draw near, join me in glad adoration.

Praise to the Lord who doth prosper thy work and defend thee. Surely His goodness and mercy here daily attend thee. Ponder anew what the Almighty can do if with His love He befriend thee!

Praise to the Lord, O let all that is in me adore Him! All that hath life and breath come now with praises before Him! Let the “Amen” sound from His people again; gladly for aye we adore Him.

NARRATION

Where God comes in love to humans, unites himself with them, peace is made between God and human being and between human being and human being. If you are afraid of God’s anger, go to the child in the manger, and get the peace of God as a gift. Have you fallen into strife and hatred with your sibling? Come and see how, purely from love, God wants to reconcile us, one with another. Out in the world power rules. This child is the Prince of Peace. Where he is, peace rules.

Dona Nobis Pacem (Finale)

Nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. And none shall make them afraid, neither the sword go through their land. Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Truth shall spring out of the earth, and righteousness shall look down from heaven. Open to me the gates of righteousness, I will go into them. Let all the nations be gathered together, and let the people be assembled; and let them hear, and say, it is the truth. And it shall come, that I will gather all nations and tongues. And they shall come and see my glory. And I will set a sign among them, and they shall declare my glory among the nations. For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, so shall your seed and your name remain forever. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward all.

RECESSIONAL HYMN

Songs of Thankfulness and Praise

Songs of Thankfulness and Praise œ œ œ œ ™ œ

œ

& ## & ## & ##

thank fest fest grace

ful at in to

ness Jor mak see

and dan's ing thee,

praise, stream, whole Lord,

Je proph weak pre

sus, et, ened sent

Lord, priest, bo in

to and dy, thy

j ˙ œ œ œ œ œ œ ˙ œ

thee king faint ho

we su ing ly

raise; preme; soul; word; man and man grace

œ œ œ œ ™ œ

i at i to

fes Ca fest im

ted na in i

by wed val tate

the ding iant thee

star guest fight, now

to in quell and

the thy ing be

sa God all pure,

ges head the as

from man dev pure

j ˙ œ œ œ œ œ œ ˙ œ œ œ #œ œ œ #œ ˙ œ ™ œ J

far, fest; might; thou; branch man man that

a i il's art

of i i we

roy fest fest might

al in in be

Da pow'r gra come

vid's di cious like

stem vine, will, thee

man man man man 4 4 & ## 1 2 3 4. All

in chang ev at

thy ing er thy

birth wa bring great

i i i i All All

at ter ing e

Beth in good pi

fest fest fest. fest. All TB SA

œ œ œ œ ˙ œ œ

hem; wine; ill; ny, an an an and

le to from pha

thems thems thems may

be be be praise

to to to thee,

thee thee thee ev

ad ad ad er

dressed, dressed, dressed, blest,

God God God God

in in in in

flesh flesh flesh flesh

made made made made

œ œ œ #œ ˙ œ œ nœ œ œ œ ˙ Please be seated

Will Be a Child of Peace

O Holy Father I will be a child of peace and purity, for well I know Thy hand will bless the seeker after righteousness.

NARRATION

Almighty God, you made this holy night shine with the brightness of the true light. Grant that here on earth we may walk in the light of Jesus’ presence, and in the last day wake to the brightness of his glory; through your only Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and forever.

Compline

Chimes

ARTISTIC PERSONNEL

Dr. Michael Culloton, Artistic Director and Conductor, The Concordia Choir

Dr. Kevin F.E. Sütterlin, Conductor, The Concordia Orchestra

Dr. Kira Haler Knutson, Conductor, Chapel Choir and Kantorei

Wyatt Steinke, Executive Producer

Paul Johnson, Mural Artist

Bryan Duncan, Lighting Designer, Director of Production

Peter Halverson, Narrator

Rachel Horan, Narrator

Andrew Steinberg, Choral Area Accompanist, Artistic Advisor

Kristen Hatfield, Artistic Advisor

Megan Hovinen, Production Manager (Minneapolis)

Lori Steedsman, Program Design

arr. René Clausen

Acoustic Enhancement Team

Christian Cook, Kerry Thompson, Sound Central Services

Administrative Staff

Rebecca Amundsen, Roxane Case, Dr. Nathaniel Dickey, Kristen Hatfield, Petra Vanderford, Todd Wawers, Dr. Matthew Winarski

Communications and Marketing Team

Anna Benson, Tracey Bostick, Gunnar Fering, Ali Froslie, Caleb Fugleberg, Candace Harmon, Kelly Heyer, Kimberly Kappes, Joshua Lysne, Eme Otto, John Phelps, Kyle Ronsberg, Jordan Ryan, Alexandra Samion, Zoe Schwab, Kirsten Stave, Lori Steedsman, Dr. Karl Stumo

Liturgical poetry by Susan Cherwien from her book “From Glory Into Glory,” copyright 2009 by MorningStar Music Publishers of St. Louis, used by gracious permission.

VIEW THE VIRTUAL CHRISTMAS CONCERT

This year, we will video record “Star of Bethlehem, Lead Us to Peace” during our concert at Orchestra Hall and create a one-hour version of the concert to make available for online, on-demand viewing from the comfort of your own home Dec. 21-Jan. 2

Register to view the concert for only $25 at: ConcordiaChristmas.com

Thank You to Our Donors!

The following donors have given generously to support this year’s Concordia Christmas Concerts with mural sponsorships.

Christmas Angels ($2,500+)

Kathryn Benson

Fair Hills Resort (in memory of David and Barbara Kaldahl ’54) Livewire Entertainment Media Services, LLC, Fargo, N.D. Ken and Carol Maul

Herb and Virginia Morgenthaler

Music Makers ($1,000-$1,499)

John and Linda Ellingboe

Mural Visionaries ($500-$999)

John and Veronna Capone Matthew Culloton and Hannah Armstrong

Michael and Brynn Culloton

Christian Eggert Violins, Ltd.

Fettes Transportation/North American Van Lines

James Graham

Knight Printing

In Memory of Ronald K. Pisk Poppler's Music, Inc.

Randy and Maggie Reichert Schmitt Music Gary and Betty Zinter

Christmas Donors (up to $499)

Thank you to the many who contributed at this level!

A Special Thank You to

If you are interested in donating to support next year's Christmas Concerts, please email music@cord.edu for more information.

2023 CONCORDIA CHOIR TOUR SCHEDULE

Saturday, Feb. 25 – Willmar, Minn. Sunday, Feb. 26 – Anoka, Minn.

Saturday, March 4 – Farmington, Minn. Sunday, March 5 – Owatonna, Minn. Monday, March 6 – Des Moines, Iowa Tuesday, March 7 – Bentonville, Ark. Wednesday, March 8 – Little Rock, Ark.

Thursday, March 9 – Dallas, Texas Friday, March 10 – Austin, Texas

Saturday, March 11 – San Antonio, Texas Sunday, March 12 – Fort Worth, Texas Tuesday, March 14 – Fort Smith, Ark. Wednesday, March 15 – Oklahoma City, Okla. Thursday, March 16 – Topeka, Kan. Friday, March 17 – Lincoln, Neb. Saturday, March 18 – Sioux Falls, S.D. Sunday, March 19 – Moorhead, Minn.

More information available at ConcordiaCollege.edu/ChoirTour

2023 CONCORDIA BAND TOUR SCHEDULE

Sunday, Feb. 5-Sunday, Feb. 12

More information will be available soon at ConcordiaCollege.edu/BandTour

MINNESOTA

HIGH SCHOOL SUMMER CHOIR CAMP

Dr. Michael Culloton, artistic director of MASLC, will lead students who have completed grades 9, 10, 11, or 12, in a summer choral camp experience on Concordia's campus for a week of fun, choral rehearsals, and a tour of Minnesota –June 17-25, 2023

View details, including application and scholarship information at: ConcordiaCollege.edu/HighSchoolSummerChoir

Students from around the U.S. of all faith backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

The name René Clausen is renowned by choral musicians, conductors and music lovers alike. His compositions are performed by choirs around the world and his work as a commissioned composer, clinician and guest conductor have taken him from coast to coast. In 2018, he received the Weston H. Noble Lifetime Achievement Award from the North Central Division of the American Choral Directors Association.

At Concordia, Dr. Clausen is a man beloved by generations of musicians. His caring manner, relentless commitment to excellence, brilliant leadership, inspired teaching and gifts of creativity and compassion have left an indelible mark. For all of this and for the abundance of personal stories about this man and the impact of his life and work, we honor Dr. René Clausen with an endowment that will sustain the Concordia Choral program for decades to come.

Please join us in celebrating Dr. Clausen with a gift to the René Clausen Choral Legacy Endowed Fund.

This permanent fund will provide a sustained stream of income to support Concordia’s Choral program. This endowment honors the legacy of Dr. René Clausen by claiming the future for The Concordia Choir, the choral program at Concordia College and the musicians who will carry forth this living tradition of excellence in music.

On Clausen’s Legacy…

“He leaves a beautiful legacy of education, inspiration, and beauty.” ✦ ✦ ✦

“What a gift he has been to so many music lovers, choral conductors, and most of all – the countless students who have had the honor of singing under him. He is a brilliant conductor, a man of integrity, and someone who has impacted so many. I will always be grateful for him, my dear choir friends, and the fond memories of creating beautiful music. Live Long and Prosper, Dr. Clausen. And thank you.” ✦ ✦ ✦

“One of the most impactful people in my life. I am forever grateful for Dr. Clausen and his passion in honoring God through music.”

“The mission of The Concordia Choir is to uphold a sacred choral tradition through the uncompromising and unrelenting collaborative pursuit of musical integrity and spiritual expression.”

– Members of the 1993-94 Concordia Choir

To donate to the René Clausen Choral Legacy Endowed Fund, visit ConcordiaCollege.edu/ClausenLegacy

Christmas Concert Dates and Locations

Memorial Auditorium, Moorhead Orchestra Hall, Minneapolis

7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2

6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4

Christmas Gifts

New, limited-edition Christmas mugs with the concert artwork, Christmas Concert gift boxes, Christmas cards, and recordings of previous concerts are available for purchase in the lobby. Orders may also be placed online at ConcordiaRecordings.com

Apply for our Music Scholarships

Concordia offers music scholarships for incoming students of any major ranging from $1,000-$5,000 per year, stackable with automatically awarded academic scholarships ranging from $8,000-$16,000. All applicants are also considered for the elite Christiansen Award of $22,500 per year. Applications must be received by Feb 1. Learn more at ConcordiaCollege.edu/MusicScholars

Concordia College

A strong foundation in the liberal arts runs through our entire curriculum. Students complete two signature integrative learning experiences where the focus is on active learning that occurs outside the classroom. Our three schools – the Sanford Heimarck School of Health Professions, the School of Arts and Sciences, and the Offutt School of Business – are designed to develop critical and creative thinking skills while giving a broad perspective on the world and its people. With 32,000 alumni across the globe, the Cobber community extends well beyond our campus. The Cobber network’s benefits include access to mentors, leads on internships and careers, and expert advice. As a college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Concordia is strongly rooted in the tradition of free inquiry and dialogue. We welcome students from a variety of faith and nonfaith backgrounds and we value diverse perspectives that everyone brings to our learning community.