Christmas on the Hilltop

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.