Trinity Western University

2010 News

Choral harmony lifts hearts at Christmas at the Chan Centre

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In a grand crescendo the audience at Christmas at the Chan Centre were embraced into a choral sing-along with the world-renowned Trinity Western University Choirs as they sang seasonal favorites, ‘Hark! The Herald Angels Sing’ and ‘Joy to the World.’

The annual Christmas concert, established eight years ago in partnership with the Chan family and The Chan Centre for Performing Arts at UBC, has grown into a highly anticipated event that, this year, sold-out in 27 hours.

“For many, this concert signifies the beginning of the Christmas season,” said TWU President, Jonathan Raymond.

Performances with full orchestra were by the Trinity Western University Choirs, TWU Chamber Singers, the Langley Fine Arts School Elementary Choir with director Robyn Lorensen, and soprano soloists, Kimberley Janzen and Alison Nystrom. Ay-Laung Wang commanded the organ and Carmen Fast accompanied on the piano, while Dr. Wes Janzen, Artistic Director, masterfully conducted.

“The vision for this traditional Christmas program was… to celebrate the birth of Christ through beautiful music,” said Janzen. The musical program ranged from traditional carols such a “O Holy Night” to the popular “The Christmas Song,” the lullaby, “Away in a Manger,” and a goose-bump inducing “Rejoice” from Handel’s Messiah.

Janzen will direct the same concert in the former Soviet Union in January 2011, as the Principal Guest Conductor with Kiev Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, the musical arm of the Music Mission Kiev.

On February 18 and 19, 2011, the TWU Choir will perform Bach’s B Minor Mass with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra under Bramwell Tovey at the Chan Centre. On March 18 and 20, 2011, the TWU Chamber Singers will perform with the Vancouver Chamber Choir under Jon Washburn at Ryerson Church, Vancouver.

Tickets for next year’s Christmas at the Chan Centre go on-sale at 12:00 p.m. on September 15, 2011.

Langley Campus

Trinity Western University is a Christian University of the arts, sciences, and professions, legislated by British Columbia to serve the public. Recognized for quality, TWU is consistently ranked among the top two universities in Canada for Educational Experience by the National Survey of Student Engagement; holds three Canada Research Chairs; wins National Championships in CIS sports; and emphasizes experiential learning to prepare graduates to make a global impact. TWU offers 42 bachelor’s degrees, 16 graduate degrees, and adult degree-completion programs. A vibrant community committed to educating the whole person, TWU has been developing leaders of character and competence for 50 years.

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