Candlelight Concert to celebrate the season with 72nd annual performance

The musical extravaganza will take place in dual performances Friday, Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 7 at 4:30 p.m. at the La Sierra University Church. Under directors of choral and orchestral studies, respectively Drs. Ariel Quintana and Dean Anderson as well as other noted faculty members, La Sierra University’s orchestra, chorale, chamber singers, vocal group United and other vocal and instrumental artists will perform major works along with familiar carols and spirituals.

Repertoire will include John Rutter’s “Gloria” and “A Choral Fanfare,” Victor Herbert’s “Festival March,” Mark Hayes’ “Go Tell it on the Mountain,” Franz Gruber’s “Silent Night,” and many others.

The Candlelight Concerts date back to Dec. 13, 1947 when the first performance was held in the La Sierra College campus church which opened in May that year. According to the student newspaper at the time, the College Criterion, telegrams with best wishes from eminent musicians arrived in recognition of the event including from renowned choral composer Randall Thompson and noted arranger Roy Ringwald.

Admission to the 72nd Annual Candlelight Concert is free with limited reserved seating available at $10 per seat, or $80 per row which seats 8 - 10. The La Sierra University Church is located at 4937 Sierra Vista Ave. For information email music@lasierra.edu or call 951-785-2036.