La Sierra offering traditional Candlelight Concert, crèche display

La Sierra University's music department will once again feature its talented best in the university's annual Candlelight Concert, a holiday tradition for 65 years.

Since 1947 this event has attracted large audiences eager to ring in the holiday season by enjoying various vocal and instrumental performances and joining in congregational sing-alongs.

This year La Sierra continues the Candlelight Concert tradition on Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m., at the La Sierra University Church. Admission is free. The program includes performances by La Sierra's Chamber Singers, Women's Chorus, Men's Chorus, the La Sierra University Orchestra, other ensembles and soloists, and an audience participation performance of George Frideric Handel's “Hallelujah Chorus.” Works to be performed include “Carol to the King,” “The First Noel,” “O Holy Night,” and “Mary Sat A-rockin'”.

The evening's music directors will include Earl Richards, II, director of choral studies; Ken Narducci, director of wind and percussion studies; John Carter, director of orchestras; and Donald Thurber, director of music education.

The La Sierra University Church is located at 4937 Sierra Vista Ave., Riverside. For information call 951-785-2036.

In conjunction with the Candlelight Concert, a display of crèches, or nativity scenes will be exhibited at Sierra Vista Chapel between 6 and 10 p.m. on Dec. 7. The Stahl Center International Christmas Créche display will include dozens of nativity scenes from around the world. The nativity sets are owned by various community members. The chapel is at 4920 Sierra Vista Ave., across from the university church. Refreshments will be served. Admission to the exhibit is free.