A Lenoir-Rhyne Christmas

This year’s program theme, Met in Thee Tonight, was inspired by the 19^th-century Christmas hymn “O Little Town of Bethlehem” by Phillips Brooks. Artistic director and LR Director of Choral Activities Dr. Ryan Luhrs explained, “The lyric ‘Met in thee tonight’ is preceded by the line, ‘The hopes and fears of all the years...’ Just like with Mary, shepherds, and others in the Christmas story, we live in a world where fear is present and hope is needed. The Christmas story remains relevant, even though it is over 2000 years old.” LR ensembles will perform together and separately in the intimate setting of LRU’s Grace Chapel. A free-will offering will be received following the program.

Luhrs will direct the choral ensembles. Collaborative artist Jeana Neal Borman and University Organist, Dr. Vince Crist, will accompany the choirs and hymn singing. Dr. Christopher Nigrelli, Professor of Music at LRU will lead the Brass Ensemble, and Spence Robertson, Adjunct Instructor of Music at LRU will direct the Handbell Ensemble.

Seating is limited and tickets are required. Tickets are free of charge for all concert dates and may be picked up at the LR Box Office located in PE Monroe Auditorium beginning Monday, November 6. The LR Box Office is open Monday through Friday, 9 - 6 pm, through December 5. Please note that the box office will be closed on Thursday, November 23 and Friday, November 24. Ticketholders are limited to a maximum of 4 tickets. Unused tickets should be returned to the box office an hour prior to each concert and will be made available to the public at that time. Call 828.328.7206 for ticket information.

On Christmas Eve, the recorded version of A Lenoir-Rhyne Christmas will be played on WNNC (101.3 FM & 1230 AM) from 7 pm - 8 pm. The performance will also be played at 8 pm - 9 pm on Big Ways (105.9 FM & 630 AM).