NORTH PARK UNIVERSITY PRESENTS
A Light in the Darkness
A Virtual Festival of Lessons and Carols ADVENT 2020 NORTH PARK UNIVERSITY PRESENTS
A LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS A Virtual Festival of Lessons and Carols Advent 2020
North Park University Organist Dr. John W. W. Sherer
North Park University Women’s Chorale Dr. Thomas Tropp, Director
North Park University Choir Dr. Julia Davids, Director
North Park University Orchestra Dr. Tom Zelle, Director
North Park University Gospel Choir Stephen Kelly, Director; Dr. Helen Hawkins, Assistant Director
North Park University Concert Band Dr. Joe Lill, Director
North Park University Jazz Ensemble Dr. Joe Lill, Director
North Park University Chamber Singers Dr. Julia Davids, Director
Released Sunday, December 6, 2020 at 4 p.m. PRELUDE
Noël José Jesús Estrada (1898–1980) Dr. John W.W. Sherer, University Organist
OPENING HYMN Once in Royal David’s City arr. David Willcocks (1919–2015)
Choirs sing verses 1 through 3. Please join in singing verses 4 and 5 from home.
Verse 4 For he is our childhood’s pattern, day by day like us he grew; He was little, weak, and helpless, tears and smiles like us he knew; And he feels for all our sadness, and he shares in all our gladness.
Verse 5 And our eyes at last shall see Him, through his own redeeming love, For that child so dear and gentle is our Lord in heaven above; And he leads his children on to the place where he has gone.
North Park Women’s Chorale, University Choir and Organ
WELCOME AND PRAYER Mary K. Surridge, North Park University President
THE FIRST LESSON Isaiah IX: The prophet foretells the coming of the Savior.
Reader: Eric McQuaid, Head Athletic Trainer
(Following each reading, the reader shall say, “The Word of the Lord,” and you are encouraged to respond,“Thanks be to God.”)
“Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme” Johann Sebastian Bach Anna Jacobson, Horn (1685–1750) North Park University Orchestra
THE SECOND LESSON St. Luke I: The Angel Gabriel salutes the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Reader: Armida Belmonte Stephens, Theology Teaching Fellow, Theological Seminary
Mary’s Song Stephen Kelly North Park University Gospel Choir (b. 1979)
The Sussex Mummers’ Christmas Carol Percy Grainger North Park University Concert Band (1882–1961) Arr. Richard Franko Goldman THE THIRD LESSON St. Luke II: St. Luke tells of the birth of Jesus Reader: Dr. Al Bjorkman, Professor of Biology
God Rest Ye Mambo, Gentlemen Traditional, arr. Greg Moody North Park University Jazz Ensemble (b. 1963)
THE FOURTH LESSON St. Luke II: The shepherds go to the manger. Reader: Sidney Smith IV, Bachelor of Music in Worship, Senior
Ogo Ni Fun Oluwa Rosephanye Powell (b. 1962) Glory to God in the highest. Rejoice, Dance, Clap. Jesus Christ is born!
CONGREGATIONAL HYMN You are encouraged to sing along from home.
Silent Night Franz Gruber (1786–1863) Silent night, holy night, All is calm, all is bright Round yon virgin mother and child. Holy infant so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace.
Noche de paz, noche de amor, Todo duerme en derredor. Entre sus astros que esparcen su luz Bella anunciando al niñito Jesús Brilla la estrella de paz. Justize Gottman, conductor Bachelor of Music Education, Senior Members of North Park University Chamber Singers North Park University Orchestra
THE FIFTH LESSON St. Matthew II: The wise men are led by the star to Jesus.
Reader: Olivia Price, Student Government Association President, B.A. Politics and Government/Mathematics, Junior
The Little Baby Lena J. McLin North Park University Choir (b. 1928) Sharon Rich Peterson, accompanist Joy Cappel, Catherine Larson, and Harlem West-Hammond, soloists
THE SIXTH LESSON St. John 1:1-14: St. John unfolds the great mystery of the Incarnation
Reader: Terence Gadsden, Campus Co-Pastor and Athletic Chaplain
The Savior’s Birth Traditional and North Park University Chamber Singers Marques L.A. Garrett (b. 1984) Today Christ is born; Today the Savior has appeared. Come, O come to Bethlehem. See the new-born King of Angels.
A boy is born to us, A boy is born in Bethlehem, Here lies in a manger, And his name shall be called: The Angel of great council.
BENEDICTION NORTH PARK UNIVERSITY CHOIR
Reader: Laura Kraybill, Campus Co-Pastor and Outreach Chaplain Dr. Julia Davids, Director Sharon Rich Peterson, Accompanist Reader: The Lord be with you. People: And with thy spirit. Reader: Let us pray. May he who by his Incarnation gathered into one things earthly and heavenly, fill you with the sweetness of inward peace and good will; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit be upon you and remain with you always. People: Amen.
POSTLUDE Joy to the World! arr. Wilbur Held Dr. John W. W. Sherer, North Park University Organist (1914–2015)
NORTH PARK UNIVERSITY WOMEN’S CHORALE
Dr. Thomas Tropp, Director Emma Gingold, Accompanist
Soprano I Soprano II Alto I Alto II Katrina Giannoni Emerson Cobbley Megan Hunt Jazlyn Alvarado Maggie Norland Debora Crisan Mia Molina Savannah Bennett Heejin Seo Emma Hernandez Mayah Rotter Melinda Nano Paighton Thomas Virginia Smith Josie Strathman Ania Williams Amara West Kathleen Tkoletz NORTH PARK UNIVERSITY CHOIR
Dr. Julia Davids, Director Sharon Rich Peterson, Accompanist
Soprano Alto Tenor Bass Emma Busz Mallory Coakley Corey Anderson Justize Gottman Joy Cappel Amelia Harlovic Jesse Bettis Timothy Johnson Veronika Chaplii Emily Hunt Luis Ángel Cantu Elisha Joy MacKal Sarah Fitzmaurice Erika Martinez Peña Mark Magno Catherine Larson Sofie Meyer Brian Chindblom Darius Matache Cara McElroy Evelyn Ramgren Caleb Hacker Nguyen Nguyen Diana Monacelli Elayna Swickard Derek Johnson Ikenna Nkuku Linnea Olfelt Jaison Kirk Quinn Snow Madison Isaias Montero Robinson Petrusevski Aidan Nyquist Caleb Rude Lauren Rodda Sidney Smith IV Jeremy Ursache Harlem West- Gabe Stiglich Hammond
NORTH PARK UNIVERSITY ORCHESTRA
Dr. Tom Zelle, Director
Violin I Viola Bass Melody Fevrier* Elaina Huang Jazlyn Alvarado Jasmine Unroe Azary Celis Cassandra Payne Michelle Meza William Tiessen Scott Bakshis †** John Eckhardt** Melissa Pavlik** Diane Yang** Horn Cello Anna Jacobson Violin II Coman Fevrier Rebecca Vazquez* Mi Ran Choi Jenelle Himatay Nancy Gorman Frida Guzman Stephanie Sorisho Paul Vanderwerf** Hanna Miller Valentina Guillen- Chizolum Nwankwo Menesello**
*Co-concertmasters/principals ** Guest Musicians North Park University Faculty/Staff † North Park University Alumni NORTH PARK UNIVERSITY GOSPEL CHOIR
Stephen Kelly, Director; Dr. Helen Hawkins, Assistant Director
Jazlyn Alvarado Caleb Hacker Sidney Smith IV Georgi Balourdos Annika Magnusson Kayla Sutton Loribeth Godinez Emily Ostercamp Paighton Thomas Jonathan Gweshe Jill Rozeveld Harlem West-Hammond
NORTH PARK UNIVERSITY CONCERT BAND
Dr. Joe Lill, Director
Piccolo Alto Sax Trombone Eric Castrejon Abigail Moore Kaya Hougen Thomas Schmidt Magdalen Norland Emily Ostercamp Flute
Isabelle Boettcher Tenor Sax Euphonium Eric Castrejon Nallely Flores-Garcia Manisha Singh Megha Hans Jaquelyn Mendro Baritone Sax Tuba
Oboe Jesus Baca Martin Luna
Brayan Cortez Trumpet Percussion Emily Eix Nolan Baumgartner James Cross Bb Clarinet Kathryn Creager Stephanie Guataquira Lucas Haarstad Jonathan Robison Macayla Downing Jesse Ilc Roman Hernandez Konrad Proce Ian McClellan Age Ritsema van Eck
NORTH PARK UNIVERSITY JAZZ ENSEMBLE
Dr. Joe Lill, Director
Saxophones Trombones Rhythm Thomas Schmidt, alto Martin Luna Aidan Nyquist, piano Kelvin Selva, alto Kaya Hougen Thomas Jennings, guitar Jesus Baca, tenor Julian Villagrana Matthew Magno, guitar Nallely Flores-Garcia, Brian Schmidt, guitar tenor Trumpets Garret Flowers, bass America Rodriguez, bass Emmanuel Carrillo, Nolan Baumgartner Jonathan Gweshe, drums baritone Lucas Haarstad Noah Bauer, drums Jesse Ilc Sidney Smith IV, drums Konrad Proce
Age Ritsema van Eck
NORTH PARK UNIVERSITY CHAMBER SINGERS
Dr. Julia Davids, Director
Soprano Alto Tenor Bass Joy Cappel Mallory Coakley Jesse Bettis Justize Gottman Catherine Larson Amelia Harlovic Luis Ángel Cantu Timothy Johnson
Harlem West- Erika Martinez Peña Darius Matache Hammond Gabe Stiglich Jeremy Ursache BIOGRAPHIES
DR. JULIA DAVIDS is the Stephen J. Hendrickson Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at North Park University. Now in her eleventh year, she directs the University Choir and the Chamber Singers, and teaches music education and conducting. Julia co-authored with Stephen LaTour the award-winning book, Vocal Technique – A Guide for Conductors, Teachers, and Singers, published by Waveland Press. The second edition was published in the spring of 2020. She is a frequent workshop and master class leader and has presented at numerous conferences for organizations including Choral Canada, the American Choral Director’s Association, and the National Association of Teachers of Singing. Dr. Davids is Music Director of the North Shore Choral Society, a 130-voice community choir based in Evanston, Illinois; Director of Music Ministries at Trinity United Methodist Church, Wilmette; and Artistic Director of the Canadian Chamber Choir, Canada’s national professional choir dedicated to building communities through choral singing. The Canadian Chamber Choir recently released their third recording, Seasons of Life and Landscape, after being nominated for a 2016 Juno for Classical Album of the Year, Choral or Vocal Performance for Sacred Reflections of Canada – A Canadian Mass. Julia has earned degrees in education, vocal performance, and conducting from Western University (Canada), the University of Michigan, and a D.M. from Northwestern University. She lives in Skokie with her husband, baroque violinist Martin Davids, and their two children.
EMMA GINGOLD has spent the past several years accompanying the choirs at Lyons Township High School, as well as accompanying rehearsals and teaching music theory for the choral organization Spirito! She also enjoys providing vocal and pit direction for high school, professional, and community theatres, including Morton West High School in Berwyn and Summer Place Theatre in Naperville, of which she serves as Vice President. Emma studied piano at Knox College with Ashlee Mack and now teaches from her home in Elmwood Park.
DR. HELEN HAWKINS is Associate Professor of Music and Assistant Director of the Gospel Choir and Gospel Choir Touring Ensemble and has been on the faculty of North Park University since 2001. She directs the music in worship program and has taught across the curriculum in the areas of sacred music, music theory, aural skills, music history, music appreciation, and keyboard skills. Dr. Hawkins has been active as a church musician and conference worship leader for 20 years in Chicago-area churches. She leads the five-member vocal group Reba Praise (who recorded the album Gospel Journey) and has recently joined the music ministry team at Second Baptist Church in Evanston, Ill. STEPHEN KELLY started playing piano at age four and has been involved in music ministry for churches since the age of eight. After earning his undergraduate degree from Wheaton College, he began directing music and leading worship in churches and conferences across the United States and Europe. At North Park, Stephen is worship coordinator for University Ministries, co-directs the Gospel choir, and teaches music integration and piano. he is on staff as a music Director at Willow Creek Community Church in Chicago.
A Jamestown, NY native, SHARON RICH PETERSON studied organ with R. Richard Corbin and was Organist at Bethel Lutheran Church before leaving for North Park College in Chicago, IL. Sharon is grateful for the excellent musical training Jamestown offered in piano, violin, orchestra, choir, Shoestring Players, and AGO.Pianist for the Chicago Symphony Chorus since auditioning as a college student in 1978, Sharon R. Peterson continues as Rehearsal Pianist for the CSC as well as the North Shore Choral Society. She is Staff Accompanist at Northwestern University, North Park University, and DePaul University. During the seven years spent living in Sweden and Norway, Sharon developed a specialty in Scandinavian Piano Repertoire and worked as Staff Accompanist at The Royal Academy of Music in Oslo, Norway. While at NU she also studied organ. Sharon has also accompanied the Lyric Opera Chorus for eight seasons, been Music Director of the Lyric’s “Opera In the Neighborhood” touring production of The Magic Flute, worked as Ballet Accompanist for LOOC’s 2014 production of Mozart’s “La Clemenza di Tito” and provided Swedish and Norwegian Language coaching for the LOOC’s Ryan Opera Center. The Frederick L. Hemke Saxophone Institute used Sharon as its only pianist for the seventh season in June, 2019, at the Snow Pond Center for the Arts, Sydney, ME. Sharon coaches voice privately as well, specializing in Swedish and Norwegian languages and repertoire. Since leaving a sixteen-year tenure as Organist at North Park Covenant Church in Chicago, IL, Sharon has been Guest Organist at various churches in the Chicago area, including St. James (Episcopal) Cathedral; 1st United Methodist Church at the Chicago Temple. She was featured Sept. 23, 2019, at the Presbyterian Homes’ Organ Concert Series in Elliott Chapel as well. Sharon recently accepted the position of Organist at Southminster Presbyterian Church, Arlington Heights and continues as Organist at North Park Theological Seminary in Chicago. A past SubDean of the North Shore Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, she currently serves on the Steering Committee for the 2021 Regional AGO Convention as Hospitality Committee Chair.
DR. JOHN W. W. SHERER has been hailed by critics as “a terrific musician.” A reviewer in The Diapason proclaimed, “As usual, Sherer communicated both the demanding and subtle qualities of the program through utilizing both his remarkable virtuoso technique and his sensitive musical sense to serve the requirements of the music.” Dr. Sherer has performed numerous recitals throughout the country including several for regional and national organist conventions. Since 1996, Dr. Sherer has been the Organist and Director of Music for The Fourth Presbyterian Church of Chicago which USA Today as one of the top ten places in America to be “enthralled by heavenly music.” This dynamic church has a new 142-rank Quimby organ and fifteen choirs and instrumental groups including The Morning Choir, a twenty-four voice professional ensemble and Tower Brass, a professional octet. Dr. Sherer manages an active concert series at the church with over one hundred events each year. In addition to his work at Fourth Presbyterian Church he is University Organist at North Park University and Associate Music Director of Congregation Sinai in Chicago. Dr. Sherer received two bachelor degrees, organ performance and choral music education, from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. he earned two master’s degrees at Yale University, majoring in Organ Performance and Art in Religion and received the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from The Juilliard School.
DR. TOM TROPP enjoys a multifaceted music career as a conductor, musicologist, lecturer, and piano technician. he is the founder and managing editor of The Galant Masters Project, an editorial venture intended to rediscover lost works of Galant- style sacred music by producing critical performing editions and recordings of previously unpublished manuscripts. As a conductor, Dr. Tropp’s area of specialization is eighteenth century sacred music. his energetic and engaging style has put him in increasing demand as a guest conductor and clinician, where he particularly enjoys working with choirs and orchestras wishing to gain experience in historic performance practice of early music. he is the Director of Music and Arts at First Presbyterian Church of Lake Forest, Illinois; Music Director of the Chicago Galant Consort, a professional early music choir and orchestra that serves as the resident ensemble for the Galant Masters Project; and a faculty member in the School of Music, Art, and Theatre at North Park University in Chicago and the Bienen School of Music at Northwestern University in Evanston. As a keyboard technician, Dr. Tropp has a particular interest in vintage pianos and period instruments (harpsichord, chamber organ, fortepiano, etc.). he does some standard tuning and maintenance work but focuses primarily on reconditioning and restoration projects. Tom Tropp holds the Bachelor of Music Education degree from Illinois Wesleyan University, the Master of Music degree in conducting and historical musicology from The University of Arizona, and the Doctor of Music degree from Northwestern University, where his dissertation, Cantaten in Musik gesetzt von W.A. Mozart: The Contrafacta Cantatas, K.Anh. 124-130, was the 2014 recipient of the American Choral Directors Association Julius Herford Dissertation Prize. Dr. Tropp resides in Lake Forest, Illinois, with his wife Anne and daughter Katie.
DR. TOM ZELLE serves as Director of Orchestral Activities and Strings, Music Director of the North Park University Orchestra and Music Director/Organist of Chicago Sauganash Community Church. At North Park University, Dr. Zelle is the area supervisor for the Certificate in Music for Social Change and Human Values, which is the first undergraduate program in the USA related to El Sistema philosophy and pedagogy. he is invested in the General Education program and teaches a keystone class in meditation and human values. A native of Hamburg, Germany, Dr. Zelle credits his artistic influences to his studies with the late Sergiu Celibidache. Dr. Zelle is active in music education research, aesthetics, pedagogy of conducting and the field of phenomenology and music. he specializes in non-dual and phenomenological applications to music practice and orchestral conducting. School of Music, Art, and Theatre