10 Reasons You Should See the Concordia Christmas Concerts

“I appreciate the Christmas concerts as a time to bring together the campus and members of the larger community as well as the commitment to excellence that is embodied in the concerts,” said biology professor Dr. Ellen Aho.

People flock to see the concerts from throughout the region. Why are these concerts such a big deal? 

“It’s a one-of-a-kind experience,” Derek Hanson ’18 said. “I’ve never seen anything like it before!”

Last year’s concert was videotaped for national audiences and won a regional Emmy. If that’s not reason enough to see this year’s concert, here are 10 more reasons (in no particular order):

The orchestra. 
You get a chance to hear the nationally acclaimed Concordia Orchestra under the direction of Dr. Kevin Sütterlin. A globally known conductor and musician, Sütterlin and the orchestra transport you to another place during the concert. 

The choirs. 
Hearing approximately 350 student singers in four choral ensembles lift their voices to welcome the Christmas season is a magical experience.

The music. 
Each year the music ties into the overall theme of the concert. A variety of carols, mass choir pieces, solo choir pieces, and audience hymns provide a musical smorgasbord for a listener. There’s bound to be a song that leaves you speechless and wanting more.

It’s expansive. 
“It’s an experience that doesn’t have just one purpose. It surrounds you with love and positivity in all areas of life, not just the birth of Jesus. The power of music and art create an immersion of emotion that can comfort anyone at any point in their life.” – Dylan Faleide ’18

The worship experience. 
It is a truly joyful worship experience, singing Christmas hymns and being reminded of the true meaning of Christmas. 

“The lighting and artwork!” – Sofia Olesen ’18
Mural artist Paul Johnson creates a one-of-a-kind mural each year that encompasses the concert’s theme. As the concert progresses, different portions of the mural are illuminated to tell the Christmas story.

The tradition. 
“The community you get to see and experience as past Cobbers and friends of Concordia participate in singing along with the choirs and orchestra.” – Kendra Stoick ’18 

To support the music program. 
“The music department offers great opportunities for students of all majors to partake in an extracurricular through which they can cultivate lasting friendships and impact audiences across the country.” – Cullen Knowles ’18

To get lost. 
“You get lost in the music and the mural. For two hours you forget where you are, what you’re worried about, and any troubles you may be facing. It’s two hours of sheer bliss, intertwined in the Christmas story seen among 10,000 people over the course of six concerts.” – Shawn Neisen ’17

To heal. 
Now more than ever, with all of the violence we see in the media and experience in the world, we need to experience something beautiful to heal our souls. Never underestimate the power music can hold, especially music made in community with others. 

“It’s always such an uplifting and joyous event in a world that is too filled with chaos. I think everyone can use a little more joy and compassion in today’s world.” – Kyle Stengel ’17