KU School of Music to expand Vespers performances

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas School of Music has announced details for the 101st annual Vespers concert, a cherished holiday tradition. This year’s celebration expands to new audiences with two special performances: a Thursday performance at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4 at the Lied Center of Kansas in Lawrence and a Friday performance Dec. 5 at Yardley Hall in Overland Park.

This year’s Vespers  in Lawrence will include festive favorites like John Rutter’s “Sing We to this Merry Company,” Ola Gjeilo’s luminous “Alleluiah” and Tchaikovsky’s beloved “Waltz of the Flowers.” The evening also features “Hope” by Zachary Moore and “Seeing the Star” by Ben Ponniah, performed by the KU Chamber Choir, alongside performances from the Lawrence Children’s Choir and KU Trumpet Ensemble.

The Overland Park performance, “Vespers on the Road,” will bring the same joyful energy to Yardley Hall, featuring the KU Symphony Orchestra and combined KU Choirs in selections such as Rutter’s “Sing We to this Merry Company,” “Hope” by Moore and Handel’s “Thou Art the Glory of Their Strength.”

Audiences can also look forward to Jennaya Robison’s “Ring Out” and Craig Courtney’s spirited arrangement of “Mary Had a Baby,” capping off an evening of music that celebrates sounds of the season.

Vespers on the Road is sponsored by Reach Out Kansas, a private foundation Jim Zakoura established in 2009 to support the arts, and by law firm Foulston Siefkin LLP. The event is free, but the public must request tickets from the Midwest Trust Center Box Office at Johnson County Community College box office to reserve seating. Tickets are available on the JCCC website.

Tickets

Tickets for the Lawrence performance are available at the Lied Center Box Office, 1600 Stewart Drive, or through the Lied Center website.

Tickets for the Overland Park performance are available at the Yardley Hall Box Office, 12345 College Blvd., Overland Park, or through the JCCC website.