Gordon in the News: last updated 12/10/2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 17, 2008
MEDIA CONTACT
Jo Kadlecek
Office of College Communications
978.867.4235
[email protected]
WENHAM, MA - Gordon College invites families across the North Shore to take part in the events offered during the second annual Christmas at Gordon celebration from December 2-6. Christmas at Gordon is an opportunity for the surrounding North Shore communities to celebrate the Christmas season with students, faculty and alumni of the college as well as neighbors and friends in the community. Many events are free and family-friendly.
The program kicks off on Tuesday, December 2, with a Campus Tree Lighting ceremony in front of the A. J. Gordon Memorial Chapel. There will be complimentary hot chocolate and cider for families, stories of the Advent season, and a special outdoor carol performance by the Jabulani Choir. Following the ceremony the student government association will host a free holiday movie in the A. J. Gordon Memorial Chapel for local youth groups, students and friends in the community.
"We're excited to offer these seasonal festivities for the community to celebrate," said Gordon College's President R. Judson Carlberg. "We enjoy sharing these events with our neighbors, local businesses and friends in the community."
Music lovers will also enjoy this year's Community Carol Sing (great for kids and families), as well as two unique Advent concerts: The Magnificat and The Christmas Gala. In addition to the tree lighting, carol sing, and Christmas Gala, the Theatre and Art Departments will offer a special program titled the Advent Festival of the Arts featuring a gallery exhibit, panel discussion and concert. The Advent Festival of the Arts will include original music, artwork and theatre productions focused around the theme of the The Magnificat, the hymn of the Virgin Mary.
"Christmas is such an important celebration that, over the years, has been taken away by the commercial culture," said Jeff Miller, professor of theatre arts. "The Advent festival is an attempt to bring it back."
Christmas at Gordon will culminate on the night of December 6 with The Christmas Gala, a North Shore favorite for over 17 years. The Gordon Women's Choir, College Choir, Children's Choir and Wind Ensemble will join together to present a fanciful look at the true meaning of Christmas. The event always sells out early, so be sure to reserve tickets in advance. And as always, in the spirit of giving, Gordon College will have a receiving box for gift card donations at each Christmas at Gordon event. The gift cards will be donated to Gordon's community partners, social services and charities in the city of Lynn.
All events are free unless otherwise noted. Christmas at Gordon events include:
Campus and Tree Lighting Ceremony: Tuesday, December 2, 6 p.m., A. J. Gordon Memorial Chapel Lawn. (Great for kids and families.)
Advent Festival of the Arts:
Making Culture: Tradition and Innovation (Panel Discussion): Wednesday, December 3, 7 p.m., Barrington Center for the Arts, Room 138.
Advent Art Exhibit (Bruce Herman, Tanja Butler and Theatrical Performances): Thursday, December 4, 7 p.m., Barrington Center for the Arts.
The Magnificat (Choral Ensemble Lyricora along with Gordon College Choir and Women's Choir): Friday, December 5, 8 p.m., A. J. Gordon Memorial Chapel. Tickets: $10 admission.
Carol Sing: Saturday, December 6, 4 p.m., A. J. Gordon Memorial Chapel. (Great for kids and families.)
The Christmas Gala: Saturday, December 6, 7:30 p.m., A. J. Gordon Memorial Chapel.
Tickets: $15 general admission, $12 seniors.
Tickets for the The Magnificat and The Christmas Gala are available now online or by phone at 978.867.3400. For more information on Christmas at Gordon events, contact the Office of College Communications at 978.867.4235 or visit the Christmas at Gordon web page.
