News

Illinois College choirs to present Christmas on the Hilltop

11.15.2018

The Illinois College choirs will present the 38th annual “Christmas on the Hilltop” on Saturday, December 8, at 7:30 p.m. in Rammelkamp Chapel.

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.
 

About Illinois College

Founded in 1829, Illinois College is a residential liberal arts college fostering academic excellence rooted in opportunities for experiential learning while preparing students for lifelong success. The college is located in Jacksonville, Illinois. With an enrollment of more than 1,000 students, the college offers over 50 undergraduate programs. In 1932, the society of Phi Beta Kappa established a chapter at Illinois College, and it remains one of only 11 in the state.

Illinois College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.

Visit www.ic.edu for more information.

Media Contact Information
Emily Titsworth '19, Writer
Office of Marketing and Communication
217.245.3219 | emily.titsworth@ic.edu