SPRINGFIELD, MO. – November 4, 2024 – As the holiday season approaches, Drury University invites the Springfield community to experience the Christmas spirit through its time-honored Vespers service. Scheduled for Sunday, December 8th, with performances at 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., this cherished tradition brings the community together with Drury’s choirs to offer an inspiring evening of sacred music and seasonal readings in the historic Stone Chapel.
“As this is my first year at Drury, it’s a privilege to step into the rich tradition of the Vespers concert,” said Dr. Jay Dougherty, Performing Arts Department Chair and Director of Choral Activities. “I’m deeply honored to carry forward this cherished event and look forward to providing our community with an evening of inspiration and reflection as we begin the holiday season together.”
For over 60 years, Vespers has served as a moment of reflection and joy for the Drury community and beyond. Featuring the Drury Singers, Drury Chorale, and Pulse A Cappella, the program integrates a wide variety of sacred music with readings from the Bible, accompanied by piano, organ, and stringed instruments. The service draws inspiration from the traditional King’s College lessons and carols format, allowing audiences to connect with the season’s deeper meaning through familiar carols and unique musical selections from various eras and cultures.
Allin Sorenson, Associate Provost for Campus Education and Professor of Music specializing in voice and choral studies, previously served as the Director of Choral Activities for 28 years and Department Chair of Music and Dean of Fine and Performing Arts. “Drury Christmas Vespers has been a long standing tradition that for many, marks the beginning of the Christmas season,” Sorenson said. “We are honored to share this gift with the community.”
Due to the popularity of the event, there will be two performances this year. The event is free to the public, but tickets are required and can be reserved through Drury University’s website or by contacting the Drury Music Department. In addition, the event will be live-streamed on the Drury YouTube channel for those who can’t attend in person. To help maintain the reverent and peaceful atmosphere that has made this tradition so meaningful, we kindly ask all attendees to be mindful of the sacred nature of the performances. For this reason, we recommend considering alternative arrangements for young children who may have difficulty remaining quiet throughout the service.
To register for tickets, visit drury.edu/music/vespers/ or call the Drury Performing Arts Department at (417) 873-7296.
###
Media Contact: Kevin Kropf, Ed.D., Executive Vice President of Enrollment Management, Marketing & Communications | Office: (417) 873-7524 | Email: kkropf@drury.edu
