Each year at Christmas time, BYU–Hawaii centers one devotional on Christ through the display of music. The devotional on Tuesday, December 7 was no exception as it was filled with the sounds of music and spirit of Christmas.
“It is indeed impossible to celebrate Christmas without the treasured hymns and carols of the season. In our celebration of the birth of the savior this day, let us reflect on the glorious event through the timeless text and poetic messages of the music cherished by all Christianity this time of year,” said Craig Ferre, professor in the department of Fine Arts and host of the musical devotional.
The music displayed consisted of familiar and unfamiliar Christmas songs from around the world.
The first performance of the devotional was by the University Brass Ensemble, which played a medley of three songs from a section entitled, “Caroler’s Favorites.” The songs they sang were “Here We Come a-Caroling,” “Christ’s Nativity” and “Hark! The Herald Angles Sing.”
Next Anna Mooy sang a solo. She sang “In the Bleak Mid-Winter” and was accompanied by Stacey McCarrey on the piano. The song reminds listeners that the only thing they can truly give is their own heart.
Following Mooy, Sarah Ding and Tomoka Yoshimura played together on the piano a German piece titled, “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring.” “The point of the song is simple. Jesus shall remain my gladness,” said Farre in the introduction.
Depicting the Biblical scene found in Luke 2: 7-12, the University Chamber Orchestra played “Choral Prelude on Silent Night.”
“In this carol, the features of the holy plant symbolize Jesus and his suffering. The Holy Plant produces a white blossom representing his purity. It’s scarlet berries reflect his blood that was shed for us and the sharp prickle of it’s leaves symbolize the crown of thorns worn by Jesus at the time of his sacrifice,” said Farre introducing the song, “Peace, Hope, Light, Love,” which was performed by the University Chorale.
Following the University Chorale, Shaka Steel performed the song “Carol of the Birds” with Tae Jeong Bae on the cello and Darren Duerden as the director.
Next the BYU-Hawaii Concert Choir performed a Nigerian carol called “Betelehemu”. This carol was brought to the United States in the mid 1950s. It’s a message of gratitude to the father for sending His son.
The Concert Choir and Chamber Orchestra performed together the song “Angles We Have Heard on High.” It was composed by an unknown French author and was translated in 1862 into English. Its French title is literally translated as “angles in our country side.”
To close the devotional, the audience was invited to sing three hymn carols with the performers. First, “Once in Royal David’s City,” second, “With Wondering Awe” and third, “Oh, Come All Ye Faithful.”
Photo by Monique Saenz.