Savior of the Nations, Come - Christmas Program Book

45TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT SERIES 2017-2018

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SMaveisosraogfethe Nations,ComeDear friends,What a joy it is to welcome you today as we gather to hear once again the story of the hope andlight that were born into our world more than 2000 years ago. In 2017, our hearts are stillyearning for the peace and unity that Christmas longs to offer to our divisive, polarized world.Today we sing the Christmas message with the distinctive and beautiful accents of culturesaround the world; we share diverse yet unifying carols and hymns that give melody to asimple yet profound, timely and timeless, personal and universal prayer: “Savior of thenations, come.” As we sing music that comes from all corners of the Earth-- even andespecially from places that feel so distant, like Russia and Korea-- we rememberthat the Prince of Peace was born to give hope to all people, and we rememberthat faithful people of all nations fall on their knees beside us as we pray,“Savior of the nations, come.”Grace and peace, and all blessings to you in this holy season!Tom TrenneyMerry Christmas from AbendmusikDrew Duncan - Executive DirectorTom Trenney - Artistic DirectorJames Keim - PresidentWynn Mehlha - Vice-PresidentLoretta Hellmuth - TreasurerLinda Zabel - SecretaryLorrie Beadell LoveLora BlackSally BuchholzDan CrawfordMary Ann EricksonMary FischerIan FralickRyan LuckeyJackie MattinglyRob McMasterVi SchroederJan SettellJeremy SpaleJason Varga

MISSION Gathering to experience excellence in the performing arts.VISION To enrich community and inspire collaboration.

Sunday, December 31st, 20176:30 PM (reception) ~ 8:00 PM (concert) First-Plymouth Church



Savior OF THE Nations,Come An Abendmusik Christmas With generous support from Lorraine Lau, Linda Schwartzkopf, Mike Fultz, and Union Bank & Trust Plymouth Choir Plymouth Ringers Ariel Merivil and Christopher Boilesen, conductors Abendmusik Festival Orchestra Christopher Dickson, narrator Suzanne Jouvenat, narrator Patrick Messer, narrator Tom Trenney, conductor and organist Ariel Merivil, conductor and organist To us this day it may not be clear, and we may not all agree whether what we do here is worship or performance, but, as a sign of appreciation and gratitude, applause is welcomed at intermission and following the program.

O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel…Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland (Savior of the Nations, Come)........................................Johann Sebastian Bach Rebecca Fischer, violinA reading from John 1Savior of the Nations, Come.................................................................................Erfurt Enchiridion/ arr. Tom Trenney(text: attributed to Ambrose of Milan, paraphrased by Martin Luther) Savior of the nations, come; virgin’s son, make here your home. Marvel now, O heaven and earth, that the Lord chose such a birth.From God’s heart the Savior speeds; back to God his pathway leads;Out to vanquish death’s command, back to reign at God’s right hand. Now your manger, shining bright, hallows night with newborn light. Night cannot this light subdue; let our faith shine ever new.Come Now, O Prince of Peace............................................................................................................................O-SO-SO(text: Geonyong Lee; translated by Marion Pope) Geonyong Lee/arr. Jeremy Bankson Please remain seated and join in singing as indicated.

Scripture collageKyrie (from Memorial).......................................................................................................René Clausen Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Amen.A reading from Luke 2: 1-5The Yearning...................................................................................................................Craig Courtney(Text: Susan Bentall Boersma) orchestrated by Aaron Miller There is a yearning in hearts weighed down by ancient grief and centuries of sorrow.There is a yearning in hearts that in the darkness hide and in the shades of death abide, a yearning for tomorrow. There is a yearning for the promised One, the Firstborn of creation. There is a yearning for the Lord who visited His own, and by His death for sin atoned, to bring to us salvation. Emmanuel, Emmanuel, within our hearts, the yearning. There is a yearning that fills the hearts of those who wait the day of His appearing. There is a yearning when all our sorrows are erased and we shall see the One who placed within our hearts the yearning. Emmanuel, Emmanuel, within our hearts the yearning.Silent prayer Christ, the Savior, is bornA reading from Luke 2: 6-7Infant Holy, Infant Lowly............................................................................................Polish carol(Text: Polish carol, translated by Edith M. G. Reed) arr. Paul Christiansen Infant holy, infant lowly, for his bed a cattle stall; Oxen lowing, little knowing Christ the Child is Lord of all. Swiftly winging, angels singing, bells are ringing, tidings bringing: Christ the Child is Lord of all! Flocks were sleeping, shepherds keeping vigil ‘til the morning new. Saw the glory, heard the story, tidings of a gospel true. Thus rejoicing, free from sorrow, praises voicing, greet the morrow: “Christ the Child is born for you!”A reading from Luke 2: 8-14

Carol: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing..................................................................MENDELSSOHN(Text: Charles Wesley) Felix Mendelssohn/ arr. David Willcocks Please rise and join in singing. Please be seated.

...and our eyes at last shall see him through his own redeeming loveA reading from Luke 2: 15-17Bring a Torch, Jeannette, Isabella...........................................................................................French renaissance carol arr. Barlow Bradford Bring a torch, Jeanette, Isabella! Bring a torch, to the cradle, run!It is Jesus, good folk of the village; Christ is born and Mary’s calling;Ah! Ah! beautiful is the Mother! Ah! Ah! beautiful is her son!It is wrong when the child is sleeping, It is wrong to talk so loud.Quiet, all, as you gather ‘round, lest your noise should waken Jesus.Hush! Hush! see how the child is sleeping; Hush! Hush! see how fast he sleeps!Hasten now, good folk of the village; Hasten now the Christ Child to see.You will find him asleep in the manger; Quietly come and whisper softly,Hush! Hush! see how the child is sleeping; Hush! Hush! Peacefully now he sleeps.Softly to the little stable. Softly in a moment come;Look and see how charming is Jesus, how he is bright, his cheeks are rosy!Hush! Hush! see how the Child is sleeping; Hush! Hush! He smiles in his dreams.All Earth is Hopeful............................................................................................................................................Alberto Taulé(Text: Alberto Taulé, translated by Madeleine Forell Marshall) arr. James E. BobbAll earth is hopeful, the Savior comes at last! Furrows lie open for God’s creative task: This, the labor of people who struggle to see how God’s truth and justice set everybody free. People of Israel, you heard the prophet tell: “A virgin mother will bear Emmanuel:” She conceived him, “God with us,” our brother, whose birth restores hope and courage to children of this earth. Mountain, hill, and valley will have to be prepared; new highways opened, new protocols declared. Almost here! God is nearing, in beauty and grace! All clear every gateway, in haste, come out in haste! We first saw Jesus, a baby in a crib. This same Lord Jesus today has come to live in our world; He is present, in neighbors we see our Jesus is with us and ever sets us free.

Carol: God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen................................................................................GOD REST YOU MERRY English carol/arr. David Willcocks Please rise and join in singing. Please be seated.A reading from Luke 2: 18-19

A Savior From on High....................................................................................................................................Stephen Paulus(Text: William Ballet) Rebecca Shane, mezzo soprano O sweet was the song the virgin sang when she to Bethl’em Judah came, and was delivered of a son, and Jesus was his name. Lulee, lully, lullo, lullaby. “O sweet babe,” sang she, “my son.” And so a Savior is born, who was given from on high to visit us that were forlorn. Lulee, lully, lullo, lullaby. And Jesus was his name. And sweet was the song she sang.Mary Had a Baby...............................................................................................................................................William Dawson Sapphire Munford, soprano Mary had a Baby. My Lord! Where was he born? Born in a manger. What did they call him? “King Jesus” Mary had a Baby. He was called “King Jesus.” Mary had a Baby, oh, yes! He is called “King Jesus,” “Mighty Counsellor,” “King Emmanuel,” “Mighty God,” “Everlasting Father,” “Prince of Peace.” Mary had a baby. My Lord! Joyful, all ye nations, rise!A reading from Luke 2: 20African Noel.........................................................................................................................................................African melody arr. André ThomasSing Noel! O come, ye people, gather here to hear the news of good cheer.The King of Kings, the Lamb of God is born today in Bethlehem. Sing Noel!Carol: Angels We Have Heard on High...................................................................................................................GLORIA French carol/arr. Jeremy Bankson Please rise and join in singing. Please be seated.

Scripture collageClimb to the Top of the Highest Mountain...........................................................................................Carolyn Jennings(Text adapted from Isaiah 40) Nebraska Academy of Vocal Arts Children’s Choir (Judy Welch, director) First-Plymouth Choristers (Tom Trenney, director) Climb to the top of the highest mountain, Joyous tidings proclaim to the world, Lift up your voice, Shout the good news: Behold your Lord comes to you. He will feed his flock like a shepherd, He will carry the lambs in his arms, He will ever keep them safe from harm. He who made the stars in the heavens, He who fashioned the earth and the sea, From time eternal, He was Alpha and Omega, He. He will come in pow’r, He will rule with truth, Hope of all the nations, Light of all. He will love the little children, He will hold them in his arms. Love him and trust him as a child, Behold, your Lord comes to you.Sussex Carol.........................................................................................................................................................English carol arr. Barlow Bradford On Christmas night all Christians sing to hear the news the angels bring. News of great joy, news of great mirth, news of our merciful King’s birth. Then why should we on earth be so sad, since our Redeemer made us glad, When from our sin he set us free, all for to gain our liberty? When sin departs before His grace, then life and health come in its place. Angels and men with joy may sing, all for to see the new-born King. All out of darkness we have light, which made the angels sing this night: “Glory to God and peace to men, now and for evermore, Amen!” Intermission (15 minutes)Let no tongue on Earth be silent; every voice in concert ring!Overture: Sing We Now of Christmas.............................................................................................................French carol The Plymouth Ringers arr. Robert SpicerReflection by Henry W. LongfellowCarol of the Bells..............................................................................................................................................Ukranian carol(Text: Peter Wilhousky) arr. Barlow Bradford Hark! How the bells, sweet silver bells, all seem to say throw cares away. Christmas is here, bringing good cheer to young and old, meek and the bold. Ding, dong, ding, dong, that is their song, with joyful ring all caroling. One seems to hear words of good cheer from everywhere, filling the air, O, how they pound, raising their sound, o’er hill and dale telling their tale. Gayly they ring while people sing songs of good cheer, Christmas is here!Merry Christmas! On, on they send, on without end, their joyful tone to every home. Ringing, ringing, ringing, ringing, bringing Christmas joy!

Carol: O Come, All Ye Faithful...............................................................................................................ADESTE FIDELES arr. David Willcocks Please rise and join in singing. Please be seated.

Nations shall come to your light...A reading from Isaiah 60Brightest and Best...................................................................................................................................Southern Harmony(Text: Reginald Heber) arr. Shawn Kirchner Rebecca Fischer, violin Hail the blessed morn, see the great Mediator down from the regions of glory descend! Shepherds go worship the babe in the manger, lo, for his guard the bright angels attend. Refrain: Brightest and best of the stars of the morning, dawn on our darkness, and lend us thine aid; Star in the East, the horizon adorning, guide where our infant Redeemer is laid. Cold on His cradle the dew-drops are shining, low lies His bed with the beasts of the stall; Angels adore Him in slumber reclining, Maker and Monarch and Savior of all. Refrain. Shall we not yield him, in costly devotion, odours of Edom, and offerings divine? Gems of the mountain, and pearls of the ocean, myrrh from the forest, or gold from the mine? Refrain.Scripture collageHeavenly Light.........................................................................................................................................Alexander Kopylow(Text by Alice Mattullath) arr. Peter WilhouskySent from heaven, thy rays were given on great and small to shine. O light Divine! May each soul in sorrow’s night see the heavenly light! Thou blessing to all creation, lead us to our salvation! All those whose feet may falter, lead unto the sacred altar!Oh shine from above, Divine Light of love! Show us the way unto our God, we pray! Thou our beacon and guide shalt be! Light Divine, we praise Thee! Hail, the heaven-born Prince of Peace!Scripture collageDona nobis pacem (from Mass in b minor)..............................................................................Johann Sebastian Bach Grant us peace.

Joy to the world! The Savior reigns!Scripture collageCarol: Joy to the World..........................................................................................................................................ANTIOCH(Text: Isaac Watts) George Frideric Handel/ arr. John Rutter Please rise and join in singing.

Plymouth ChoirSoprano Alto Tenor BassLorraine Beadell-Love Toyin Alabi Christopher Boilesen James CarrLaurelin Berkley Dan Crawford Foster Collins Christina Emra Buchholz Todd Depue David CrewsDeanne Hyde Boilesen Peggy Campbell Matt Eschliman Randy DinsdaleSally Buchholz Kevin Gunter Brett Epperson Adrienne Dickson Ed Holbrook Ian FralickLisa Caha Michael Jensen Daniel Harris Julia Doerr Corbyn Mellinger John HeinemanArica Coleman Jon Michelsen Jason J. Hellmuth Vickie Ehly Ethan Reid Ryan HellmuthGabriella Covington John W. Reinert Dave Henske Mary Fischer Max Rooney Rodney Hiser PlymouthDiane Dinnel Sebastian Sorensen Charlie Horner Ringers Lydia Fry JC Sronce Jeff KeeleSusan Dinsdale Stephen V. Talarico Rob McMaster Christopher Boilesen Susan Goodrich Rich York Jesse Moeller Deanne BoilesenSarah Gauger Tom Westfall Ross Mosier Eugene Boilesen Amanda Hellmuth Dennis Newman Jane BoilesenJeane Hiser Steve Nickel Kathryn Boilesen Loretta Hellmuth Cesar Pestana Diane DunkersonMichelle A. Lisec-Talarico Alison F. Knudsen Sam Rickert Sinda DuxIna Sivits Luhring Jack J. Rinke Patricia Hall Carolyn Brown Kramer Kyle Sandall Susan KleinLori McAlister Ken Winston Linda Kroon Patty Kramer Nancy LeavittMelissa McCoy Kieran Mannion Marina Kushner Ariel MerivilJane Mehrens Joan Michelsen Joan Michelsen Erin MulderMolly Mellinger Phyllis Owen Maureen Ose Jennifer RuttStephanie Meredith Carol Wells Phyllis OwenCynthia Stadler Mohr Stephanie PollockLaurel A. B. Muff Erin PoorSapphire Munford Barbara RaderAmy O’Neill Jennifer RuttJessica Rajewich Megan SchaeferKaren Reese Rebecca ShaneOlivia Reininger Susan StuartAutumn Schafer Shelby WhiteAbi Shelbourn Amy WrightKayla Wilkens Linda ZabelTami Wilson Abendmusik Festival Orchestra Violin 1 Bass French Horn Rebecca Fischer, Concertmaster Michael Swartz Alan Mattingly Kim Osborne Salistean Jacqueline Mattingly Rose Hunter Flute Trombone Violin 11 Betsy Bobenhouse Tom Dickmeyer Donna Carnes, Principal Oboe Nancy Vogt Kristie Pfabe Lisa Meyers William McMullen Timpani Viola Clarinet Tony Falcone Cindy Ricker, Principal Diane Barger Percussion Sarah Curley Bassoon Jeremy Spale Cello Jason Varga Karen Sandene Tracy Sands, Principal Harp Karen Becker Trumpet Heidi Beran Thomas Kelly Deborah Bouffard





DonorBecome a Thanks to the generosity of Abendmusik’s supporters over the past 45 seasons, today’s Christmas Festival is offered to the community free of charge.  At intermission today, you will be invited to make a donation to ensure that Abendmusik may continue to gather us together to experience excellence in the performing arts for years to come.  It’s the tremendous generosity of people like you that sustains our ongoing mission and enables the possibility for our music to inspire.  Your gift to Abendmusik is tax-deductible, and it may be offered in honor or memory of a friend or loved one.  Regardless of size, your gift will be an important one!Levick Legacy Society The Levick Legacy Society was founded during the 40th anniversary celebration to support an ongoing series of concerts honoring Abendmusik’s founder, Jack Levick. Contributions to this fund will be used to sponsor one concert each season that honors his legacy and vision. You can help to ensure these concerts continue by making a special gift to the Levick Legacy Society. Whether giving online, by mail, or at an Abendmusik event, just specify how much of your donation you would like to go toward the Levick Legacy Society.

2017-2018 Sponsorship Levels Concert SponsorshipFull Concert Sponsors - $5,000 Partial Concert Sponsors - $2,500•Eight season tickets •Six season tickets•Special tickets to the concert you sponsor •Special tickets to the concert you sponsor•Listing in concert programs •Listing in concert programs General SponsorshipConductor’s Circle – $1,000+ Benefactors - $500 to $999•Four season tickets •Two season tickets•Two tickets to any single concert •Listing in concert programs•Listing in concert programs Patrons - $200 to $299Guarantors - $300 to $499 •Four tickets to any single concert•One season ticket •Listing in concert programs•Listing in concert programs Friends - $1 to $99Members - $100 to $199 •Listing in concert programs•Two tickets to any single concert•Listing in concert programs Season Underwriters Conant Fund Lincoln Community Foundation Nebraska Arts CouncilRuth Marie Amen Performing Arts Fund First-Plymouth Church Swanson Russell Associates Full Concert Partial Concert Sponsors $5000 Sponsors $2,500 John Casey Lorraine Lau Ann & Matthew Finkner Linda Schwartzkopf & Mike FultzLincoln Community Foundation Rhonda S. Seacrest Susan Sehnert Stuart Union Bank & Trust

Conductor’s Circle Patrons cont. Friends cont. Special Gift in$1,000+ Jane Mehrens Robert & Pamela Duncan honor of TomAnonymous Lowell & Jane NickolausPearle Francis Finigan Victoria O’Neal Andy Fairbairn Trenney’s 40th Birthday Norma Somerheiser Foundation Ralph & Joyce Sturdy Darrell K. Fluehr Jeanne BourgetKathryn & Michael HigginsLaurel Muff Members Sarah Gauger Julie BuschPhyllis Owen $100 to $199Tom Trenney & Brent Shaw & Charles Duerschner Connie DuggerCary Wheeland James & Kathryn Bellman The Plymouth Brass Janet Gauger Mary Beth & Duncan JonesBenefactors Robert & Candace$500 to $999 Susan Goodrich Swid & Tom Kirchhofer CampbellPaul Bouffard Judy Carter Marynelle Greene Ernest & Sarah KrugSally & Roger Buchholz Drew & Nick DuncanGeorge Wolcott Paul Dunn Shaun Harner Diane Lea Brett Epperson & Kathryn Campbell Loretta & Jason Hellmuth Sheila RoebkeCharles & Mary Ann Erickson Mary FischerRobert Hinrichs DeLynn Hay Chuck Holderby Diana SharerSusan Johnson Philip & Barbara HeckmanChristopher Lees James & Christi Keim Deanna & Mark Hutchins 2017-2018 Levick Legacy Ronald & Judy Kirsch Dan & Christine Jameson Society Contributors & Lindsay Kesselman Richard & Sally Knudsen Jim JohnsonWynn & Sheila Mehlhaff Ryan Luckey Barbara & Con Keating Sally & Roger BuchholzFrank & Lois Mills Alan & Jacqueline Mattingly Alex Keriakedes John CaseyFrank & Ann Sidles Nancy & Roger Mitchell James Kinkennon James Hejduk Carolyn Nickel Susan L. Klein Loretta & Jason HellmuthGuarantors Cynthia Olson Julia Larson Rosemary Machacek$300 to $499 Elizabeth Pearson Ina Luhring Laurel Muff Fred & Margaret Rickers Rosemary Machacek Barbara & Benjamin RaderArlen & Betty Beam Russ Roberts Ida Martinez Karin & Bryan Van DeunChristina Buchholz Kurt & Carly RunestadCatherine Corbet Susan S. Samson Todd & Betty Mason Ose *Donor List as of 2017Dan D. Crawford Linda Shriner Jack A. McKimmy September 15th,Elaine F. Hammer Jim Spahr Robert McMaster & MaureenLorraine Beadell-Love Jeremy & Stacy SpaleEd & Mary Lyons Karin & Bryan Van Deun Judy MillerJon & Joan Michelsen Susan WeberBarbara & Benjamin Rader Terry R. Wittler Jean PancharoenAlan & Patricia RigginsPeter & Viann Schroeder Friends Gina K. PaulKen Winston $1 to $99Dr. Ray & Carolyn Zeisset Robert Planansky Nancy AdenPatrons Karen Bacon John Reinert$200 to $299 Amanda & Scott Barker Margaret Bartle Douglas RoePeggy Campbell John & Nancy BeckerLois & Dick Dam Lora Black June RyanJennifer Davidson Robert & Lynette BoyceSinda Dux Carol Brigandi Jim & Mary Lynn SchafferKent & Jan Eakins Charlene BrownWilla Foster Jones James & Rosalind Carr Jeanette SchnecklothGordon & Maril Freese Kim ClabaughJames Gustafson Kim & Foster Collins Patricia Schwab David & Pat Crews & Harold Reich Byron & Janis Darrington Hannah Jo SmithMary Lou Hanson Christine DuncanJohn Heineman Lyda SnodgrassJames HejdukJohn M. & Paula Jones Katie & Ray Taddeucci Thomas & Beverly Trenney Dennis & Linda Zabel Barbara Zach The Nebraska Arts Council, a state agency, has supported this series through its matching grants program funded by the Nebraska Legislature, the National Endowment for the Arts and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment. Visit www.nebraskaartscouncil.org for information on how the Nebraska Arts Council can assist your organization, or how you can support the Nebraska Cultural Endowment.







ABENDMUSIK SEASON Nº45 2017–2018 SUNDAY UNCLOUDED DAY OCT 1 • 4:00 PM FEATURING sounding light SUNDAY NOV 5 • 4:00 PM DARYL ROBINSON, ORGAN VIRTUOSO SUNDAY WITH THE ABENDMUSIK CHORUSNOV 26 • 4:00 PM MESSIAH SUNDAYDEC 10 • 3:00 PM COMMUNITY SING-ALONGDEC 17 • 7:00 PM FREE CONCERT SUNDAY SAVIOR OF THE NATIONS, COMEDEC 31 • 8:00 PM AN ABENDMUSIK CHRISTMAS SATURDAY FREE CONCERT FEB 3 • 3:00 PM LAST BLAST! FRIDAY FEB 9 • 8:15 PM CELEBR ATING 40 YE ARS OF THE PLYMOUTH BR ASS RECEPTION • 6:30 PM CONCERT • 8:00 PM SUNDAY FEB 11 • 4:00 PM SING AROUND NEBRASKA TUESDAY A CHILDREN’S CHOIR FESTIVAL CONCERT FEB 20 • 7:00 PM FREE CONCERT SUNDAY MY FUNNY VALENTINE FEB 25 • 7:30 PM AN ABENDMUSIK FUNDRAISER FRIDAY DINNER • 6:30 PM CONCERT • 8:15 PM MAR 9 • 7:00 PM VOCES8 FRIDAYMAR 30 • 7:00 PM BRITISH CLASSICAL VOCAL ENSEMBLE YOUTH MASTERWORKS FESTIVAL CONCERT MOZART’S CORONATION MASS FREE CONCERT CONSIDERING MATTHEW SHEPARD FEATURING CONSPIRARE AND CONDUCTOR/COMPOSER CRAIG HELLA JOHNSON AT THE LIED CENTER THE CONCORDIA CHOIR LED BY CONDUCTOR RENÉ CLAUSEN PIETÀ BY JOHN MUEHLEISEN FEATURING NEBRASK A WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY CHOIR, THE PLYMOUTH CHOIR, AND GUEST CONDUCTOR ANTON ARMSTRONG FREE CONCERT 2000 D STREET  | LINCOLN, NE 68502 | 402.476.9933 | ABENDMUSIK.ORG