GREENVILLE, Pa. - Nov. 18, 2019 - Pittsburgh will get a special preview of Thiel College's 67th Christmas Festival with a special performance at First English Lutheran Church as part of 5 p.m. Vespers during the city's "Light -Up Night" on November 22.
"I am delighted to not only partner with one of our regional Lutheran churches, but also with former member of the Board of Trustees Rev. Brian Evans '03 who is a strong presence at Thiel (https://www.thiel.edu/) and is willing to be such a great collaborator and bridge-builder between our College and the church. This is a wonderful opportunity for Thiel to give back to the people and institutions that support and strengthen our work," said Campus Pastor Brian Riddle '07.
With the theme of "The Weary World Rejoices," the festival features a vast repertoire from familiar Christmas carols to newer works by Paul Caldwell and Sean Ivory, Dan Forrest, and Mack Wilberg.
The event will also introduce the extended Thiel family to the new Director of Thiel Choirs Thomas Wininger, D.M.A.
"It is my distinct pleasure to join the storied tradition of Christmas Festival at Thiel College. This year's program will feature a new lessons and carols format featuring music from across the globe as we examine how numerous cultures celebrate Christmas," Wininger said. "I look forward to meeting members of the Thiel family as we embark on a new generation of Christmas Festival together."
"For 67 years, the Thiel College Department of Music and Theatre has had the distinct privilege of ushering in the spirit of the season with music and worship for Greenville and our extended community of family and friends," Chair of the Department of Music and Theatre Pete Rydberg, Ph.D., said. "We are thrilled to collaborate with First Lutheran and to serve the broader community through music and celebration of the season."
The 67th annual Christmas Festival is at 4 p.m. Dec. 8 in the William A. Passavant Memorial Center for the 67th year on December 8 at 4 p.m. The Christmas Festival is free and open to the public.
About Thiel College
Thiel College (https://www.thiel.edu/) is a private liberal arts institution founded in the Lutheran tradition. Located in Greenville, Pa., the College offers 60 majors and minors, 24 varsity sports, and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. A dedicated faculty paired with dynamic research and internship opportunities produce numerous graduate school and job placements. Coeducational from its beginnings, the College celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2016 and remains committed to combining tradition with innovation.
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