For many in the south Puget Sound, it is a beloved holiday tradition – the Pacific Lutheran University Christmas Concert. Featuring the Choir of the West, University Chorale, and University Symphony Orchestra the 2022 PLU Christmas Concert will present works by Ralph Vaughan Williams, Dan Forrest, Jocelyn Hagen, and Cecilia McDowall mixed with traditional carols and other seasonal favorites as they seek peace, renewal, and joy in this Christmas season.
Once again, A PLU Christmas will be performed on campus at Lagerquist Concert Hall on December 3rd, 4th, 10th and 11th with a special performance in Seattle at Benaroya Hall on the evening of Monday, December 5th. Given the size of the venues and popularity of the performance, Benaroya Hall offers a chance for last minute attendees to secure tickets and enjoy the one-and-a-half-hour show.
What makes this such a special concert? According to Dr. Brian Galante, the Chair of the Music Department and Director of Chorale Studies at PLU, “It is the opportunity to bring the multi ensembles together. We take great care to develop a theme that takes the audience on a journey throughout the performance.” This year’s theme is PEACE, with a goal to share beauty and the warmth of the season with all those who choose to attend.
As the largest project the Music Department does every year, it isn’t an exaggeration to say the concert is a signature series for PLU. Developed decades ago, the concert series has evolved over the years. For the past seven years, the concert has been presented in two parts with an intermission. There are performances by the combined talents in both the Choir of the West and the University Chorale together and separate individual sets by the two groups, each accompanied by the gifted members of the University Symphony.
“Given the two choirs rehearse at the same time, the ability to combine the choirs provides for smooth flow and a good mix of pieces.” said Galante. With nearly 80 choir members in the two groups together and another 60 in the orchestra, the Christmas Concert provides an impactful experience for those attending. To learn more about the Annual PLU Christmas Concert, visit plu.edu/christmas