Press Release:

November 13, 2007

ANNUAL WALTHER CHRISTMAS CONCERT AND COOKIE WALK ON DECEMBER 7

Walther Lutheran High School presents “Joy to the World,” an evening of vocal and instrumental music for the Christmas season on Friday, December 7 at 7 p.m. There is no charge for this annual holiday concert held in the gymnasium at 900 Chicago Ave. in Melrose Park.

When Isaac Watts wrote “Joy to the World!” in 1719, his inspiration came from Psalm 98:4, which says, “Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music.” This timeless carol has brightened Christmases for nearly 300 years and has proclaimed the celebration of the birth of the Christ child.

Walther’s gymnasium will come alive with the joyful sounds of instrumental and vocal praise. Along with “Joy to the World,” the highlighted choral works range from the sacred “O Magnum Mystery” and the poignant “Mary, Did You Know?” to the popular “Winter Wonderland” and the peppy “Baby, It’s Cold Outside.” the title number, “All Christians Sing.” The vocal portion of the festive evening will be directed by Miss Lori Bormet and features the Concert Chorus, the A Cappella Choir, the Christian Minstrels, the Gospel Choir, Bella Voce and the Men’s Chorus.

Under the direction of Mr. Richard R. Rose, Chairman of the Fine Arts Department, the Concert Band, Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band will play. The Wind Ensemble repertoire will include David R. Holsinger’s “On a Southern Hymnsong” and the Appalachian carol, “Jesus, Jesus Rest Your Head.” Mr. Peter Finnigan will direct the Percussion Ensemble in “A Tribute to Stephen Foster” incorporating “O Susanna,” “Beautiful Dreamer,” and “My Old Kentucky Home” and the String Ensemble in “Quartet in C Major” by Johann Christian Bach.

Following the concert, there will be an Old Fashioned COOKIE WALK. An assortment of homemade cookies can be selected. The price is $10 for a two pound box. The proceeds of the sale help finance Walther’s Choir and Band tours.

Walther Lutheran High School is a co-educational Christian school located at 9th and Chicago in Melrose Park. The school has an enrollment of just over 400 students from fifty-seven different Chicago area zip codes. For more information about Walther Lutheran High School, call 708.344.0404 or visit Walther.com.

Press Release contact: Lori Solyom, Public Information Coordinator