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The community is invited to attend the free concert which has become an annual tradition, drawing standing-room-only audiences from near and far. This year’s program is entitled “And the Angels Sang.” It features music of the season spanning a multitude of musical styles and eras. 

Dr. Abby Musgrove, associate professor of music and director of choral activities at IC, hopes this year’s concert will inspire listeners to “fear not” and to find ways to bring hope to others.

“This year’s concert focuses on angels as messengers of hope,” said Musgrove. “In all of history and literature, angels seem to always be singing, surprising and comforting.”

The Illinois College Concert Choir, Women’s Chorale, Chamber Singers and Blue Tie Affair men’s ensemble will perform, joined by the Illinois College Wind Ensemble. Choirs and instrumentalists will perform traditional carols and seasonal favorites during the inspiring event. 

Selections include the well-loved, “The Heavens Are Telling” by Franz Joseph Haydn, a complex and fascinating version of the “Sanctus” text by a modern South Korean composer, a beautiful acapella arrangement of Billy Joel’s “Lullaby,” and a rousing African American spiritual “Lord, I Know I Been Changed.”  The diverse performance also features ancient and modern settings of renaissance carols, an authentic medieval gregorian chant, and Musgrove’s newly-created arrangement of “Angel’s Lullaby” by Reba McEntire.  

Admission is free and attendees are encouraged to arrive early to ensure seating. For more information contact Abby Musgrove at choirs@ic.edu.