October 26, 2020 – Millikin University has announced that Vespers will be virtual this year.
For more than 60 years, Millikin University’s Vespers has signaled the start of the holiday season in central Illinois. With nearly 8,000 attendees each year, Vespers is one of Millikin’s most popular events.
This year, Millikin University is inviting the community to join the event virtually on Saturday, Dec. 5, and Sunday, Dec. 6,
Vespers performances will be available for livestream viewing on Dec. 5 at 7 p.m., and Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. on Millikin University’s Facebook page (facebook.com/millikinuniversity), homepage (millikin.edu) and YouTube channel (youtube.com/millikinuniversity). Because of this year’s virtual format, no ticket purchase is required to attend.
Millikin University musicians will present a “best of” compilation from past Vespers performances and interviews with Millikin President Dr. Jim Reynolds and Director of Choral Activities Dr. Brad Holmes.
“We need the Vespers spirit this year more than ever. With that in mind, we are drawing selections from the past five years into a ‘Best of…’ event titled ‘All Is Bright,’” Dr. Holmes said. “You’ll recognize these words from perhaps the most well-known carol of the season, ‘Silent Night.’ Indeed, that text will be sung to a new composition by John Michael Trotta. The piece will be presented by this year’s singers in one massive virtual choir selection. In this way, we hope to build a bridge from the past 60 years, carrying that tradition into a bright future. Vespers is about community, singing and sharing the season together.”
Brian Justison, director of the Millikin School of Music, added, “Vespers is the biggest thing Millikin University does all year reaching more people than all other events combined. I’m so pleased that we are able to share this gift of music with our online patrons during these challenging times.”
