Annual Christmas Tree Lighting to kick off the holiday season at Concordia

Concordia University, Nebraska’s annual tree lighting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 19 at 7 p.m. The event takes place on the front steps of Weller Hall. The tree lighting is a chance for Concordia students and the Seward community to join together in caroling, led by the Chamber Choir, and fellowship. 

The Chamber Choir is a 14-voice ensemble that is chosen from among the members of Concordia’s A Cappella Choir. 

Choir member Tara Pester said, “Singing at the Tree Lighting is a wonderful opportunity to share the joy of Christmas with the Concordia and Seward communities.” 

The Christmas tree lighting is part of Christmas at Concordia, which culminates in four performances that take place in early December. This year’s Christmas at Concordia concerts will take place on Friday, December 5 at 7 p.m., Saturday, December 6 at 3 and 7 p.m., and Sunday, December 7 at 3 p.m. Other events include the Christmas buffet from 4:30-6:45 p.m. on Saturday in the Cattle Conference Room in Janzow Campus Center.  

“Singing at the Tree Lighting is a wonderful opportunity to share the joy of Christmas with the Concordia and Seward communities.”

Members of the Chamber Choir include: 

David Eatherton, sophomore, St. Louis, Missouri, Tenor 

Lydia Edmonds, sophomore, Gretna, Nebraska, Soprano 

Michaela Gibbs, sophomore, Belleville, Illinois, Soprano 

Samuel Matthias, senior, Seward, Nebraska, Bass 

Yaphet Michael, sophomore, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Tenor 

Evan Moloney, junior, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Bass 

Melissa Oblinger, sophomore, Tomball, Texas, Alto 

Tara Pester, junior, Seward, Nebraska, Alto 

Tim Pester, freshman, Seward, Nebraska, Bass 

Morgan Rohde, junior, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Alto 

Joel Smith, senior, Earlham, Iowa, Bass 

Samantha Vogel, freshman, North Royal, Ohio, Soprano 

Naomi Weber, freshman, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Alto 

Micah Zeckzer, sophomore, New Haven, Indiana, Tenor 

The music department at Concordia University, Nebraska provides students with a Christ-centered, top-tier education to prepare them to serve the church and world with their music. The annual Christmas tree lighting and Christmas at Concordia concerts demonstrate the high quality of vocal and instrumental music taught at Concordia. Learn more about the music program here.