Hendricks Chapel to usher in the season with annual Holiday Concert and tree lighting ceremony

Hendricks Chapel to usher in the season with annual Holiday Concert and tree lighting ceremonyNovember 17, 2001Jonathan Hayjhay@syr.edu

The annual Hendricks Chapel Holiday Concert and tree lighting ceremony will focus this year on lifting the spirits of all who attend. The festivities begin on the Syracuse University Quad at 6:50 p.m. Dec. 2 and are free and open to the public.

“This year’s program is an eclectic mix of some very beautiful songs,” says G. Burton Harbison, director of the Hendricks Chapel Choir. “The music will include lullabies, ethnic selections and a potpourri of old carols. Because of the tragic world events of this fall, we hope to create a pleasant and reflective mood.”

SU’s Sour Sitrus Society will begin the celebration on the steps of Hendricks Chapel with a selection of holiday tunes as the switch is pulled to light the evergreen tree located in front of the chapel. The celebration will continue inside the chapel with performances by the Hendricks Chapel Choir and the Hendricks Chapel Handbell Ringers. Concert attendees are asked to bring nonperishable food items to donate to charity.

The concert will feature a performance of Chris DeBlasio’s duet “God is our Righteousness” by classical guitarist Ken Meyer, instructor in the Rose, Jules R. and Stanford S. Setnor School of Music; and Christopher Marks, SU organist.

“The piece is written specifically for guitar and organ, which is very unusual,” Marks says. “DeBlasio wrote it soon after he was diagnosed with AIDS. Ken and I both feel it depicts the struggle of him coming to terms with the disease. It’s a very moving and effective piece. Every time we’ve played it, we’ve gotten a great reaction.”

The concert concludes with the traditional candle lighting during “Silent Night.” A reception in the Heroy Geology Building atrium will follow.