Concerts, Lighting of the Green to brighten campus for the holidays

Eastern Mennonite University will host several holiday events in December, including the Lighting of the Green Monday, Dec. 5, at 4:30 p.m. on Thomas Plaza.

This event gathers the campus community together for a blessing, words from President Susan Schultz Huxman, Christmas carols, and a ceremonial lighting of thousands of strands of twinkling lights decorating the buildings on the quad and a large Christmas tree on the front lawn. Students, faculty, staff, retirees and family members are specially invited for this annual and beloved tradition.

EMU Music, Shenandoah Valley Children’s Choir and the Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival also plan several concerts that are free and open to the public.

Dec. 1: Wind Ensemble Concert, 7 p.m., Lehman Auditorium. The program includes traditional works for band, transcriptions of choral music, and arrangements of holiday favorites. This concert will feature saxophone soloist Anthony Cincotta, who will perform Adam Silverman’s “Alternating Current.” Watch the LIVESTREAM.

Dec. 2: Chamber Singers and University Choir Concert, 7 p.m., Lehman Auditorium. Featuring local composers, underrepresented composers, and songs promoting peace and justice. Watch the LIVESTREAM.

Dec. 3, 7 p.m. and Dec. 4, 4 p.m.: Shenandoah Valley Children’s Choir Christmas Concert, Lehman Auditorium. For tickets, visit www.svcc.org.

Dec. 10: Joint Ensemble Holiday Concert, 7 p.m. Lehman Auditorium. Featuring the EMU Orchestra directed by Professor Benjamin Bergey and the Jazz Combo and Jazz Ensemble, directed by Professor Kyle Remnant. Featuring music by underrepresented composers and holiday music. Watch the LIVESTREAM.

Dec. 16: A Bach Festival Christmas, 7 p.m. Martin Chapel. A fun evening featuring holiday favorites and more performed by David Berry, artistic director of the Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival, and friends.