The Walla Walla University Department of Music will present its annual Christmas concert on Friday, Dec. 9 in the University Church. There will be two performances: one at 6 p.m. and one at 8 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

The theme for the concert this year is “Christmas Joy,” with pieces emphasizing the joy and wonder of the holiday season. This year’s central feature will be the music of American composer Kirke Mechem. Performed by the WWU Orchestra and the University Singers, Mechem’s masterpiece, “The Seven Joys of Christmas,” will take listeners on a musical journey across the world with traditional pieces from France, Germany, Japan, Spain, and England.

The concert will also feature Christmas favorites, such as “Joy to the World” by John Rutter and “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” by Dan Forrest. Additional performances will include “O Little Town of Bethlehem” and American composer Alf Houkom’s meditation “The Rune of Hospitality.”

A live-stream of the concert will be available at wallawalla.edu/concert. A recording of the concert will be available online for several weeks to view and share with family and friends.

Posted on December 4, 2016