News

Illinois College choirs to present Christmas on the Hilltop

11.06.2019

The Illinois College choirs and wind ensemble will present the 39th annual “Christmas on the Hilltop” on Saturday, December 7, 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 “Home for Christmas.” It features the music of the season and spans 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 fill listeners with hope and help them feel a sense of belonging. “Our theme this year is ‘Home,’ but it’s not just about a physical place or even families. As we travel to Bethlehem together, we realize there was no room at the inn,” she said. “We want people to think about: what does ‘home’ mean to you?  Where do you feel like you belong?”

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 beloved carols like “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” and “Home for the Holidays,” as well as classical gems like “How Lovely Is They Dwelling” from Brahm’s German Requiem and ‘And the Glory of the Lord” from Handel’s “Messiah.” The concert will also include modern works ands styles such as rhythmically exciting arrangement of “Veni, Veni Emmanuel” (O Come, O Come Emmanuel) and a pop acapella arrangement of “Home” by Phillip Phillips.  

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