DECATUR, Ill. — A cherished holiday tradition is returning to University! Vespers, one of the area’s longest-running holiday celebrations, will fill Kirkland Fine Arts Center with the sounds and spirit of the season December 5 and 6, featuring three inspiring performances under the direction of Dr. Benjamin Hawkinson.
This year's program, “Veni et Illumina” (“Come and Illuminate”), explores the powerful imagery and timeless messages of the Advent season.
“At its heart, this is an exploration of the motifs associated with the Advent story, particularly the anticipated arrival of ‘light in the darkness,’” says Hawkinson, Associate Professor and Director of Choral Activities at . “The movement from uncertainty to hope, unknowing to knowing, and nervousness to comfort are all themes that will be touched throughout the program.”
Whether it’s a longtime holiday tradition for your family or a first-time Vespers experience, you can expect an uplifting musical celebration that captures the beauty, anticipation, and hope of the season.
SPECIAL EXPERIENCES FOR THE WHOLE MILLIKIN COMMUNITY
Vespers offers two special opportunities to make this year’s celebration even more memorable:
Family-Friendly Fun | Saturday, Dec. 5, at 2 p.m.
Families are invited to arrive early for a special, kid-friendly pre-show gathering in the Kirkland Fine Arts Center lobby before the afternoon performance.
Big Blue Night | Saturday, Dec. 5 at 7:30 p.m.
students, faculty, and alumni are encouraged to show their Big Blue pride by wearing their blue and celebrating this special performance together!
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
All performances take place at Kirkland Fine Arts Center, University.
Saturday, Dec. 5 | 2 p.m. — Includes family-friendly pre-show gathering
Saturday, Dec. 5 | 7:30 p.m. — Big Blue Night
Sunday, Dec. 6 | 2 p.m.
TICKETS
Tickets are available online at or in person at the Kirkland Fine Arts Center box office.
Kirkland Fine Arts Center
1215 W. Kirkland Drive
Decatur, IL 62522
Make Vespers part of your holiday tradition and join University for a celebration of music, community, light, and hope!
Vespers is presented by CEFCU and WAND TV.
