Christmas with St. Ben’s and St. John’s returns to the Abbey

Christmas with St. Ben’s and St. John’s has been a tradition for decades, but this year marks a return to normalcy after COVID restrictions altered performances the last two years.

Christmas with St. Ben’s and St. John’s will take place in the Abbey Church on Saturday, Dec. 3, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available on the Fine Arts website.

Though it isn’t the first time the concert has taken place in the Abbey, this year marks the first time the Chamber Choir, Men’s Chorus, Women’s Choir, The St. John’s Boys’ Choir, Brass Choir and Amadeus Chamber Symphony will be performing together in the church, as COVID restrictions limited the number of musicians that could perform in one space.

Bradley Miller, director of both the Chamber Choir and Men’s Chorus, reflected on how this year’s performance will be the first relatively normal Christmas concert in the last four years.

“Last year our singers were masked, the orchestra was unable to perform and we were not able to do audience carols,” Miller said. “It is wonderful to have the opportunity for our musicians to get to perform alongside members of the symphony in such a magnificent space. The collaborative nature of the program makes this performance extremely special for our performers, audience members and all in attendance.”

This year, the concert tells the story of Christ’s birth as told in the Gospel of Mark. The performances move chronologically, highlighting the perspectives of Mary, the shepherds and all involved in the well-known story of Jesus’s birth.

Preparations for Christmas with St. Ben’s and St. John’s began well before the winter season, as the conductors began to sift through repertoire, selecting the pieces that best amplify the theme of the year’s performance. Selections this year include “Christus Natus Est,” “Climb to the Top of the Highest Mountain,” “O Magnum Mysterium” and “Antiphon,” as well as other well-known Christmas classics.

As Benedictine Institutions, Miller finds that St. Ben’s and St. John’s have the unique opportunity to present a concert that stays true to the Benedictine Values.

“Music is an integral component within the liberal arts tradition, and we are so fortunate to have the opportunity to tell the story of Christ’s birth through this art form. Performers in our ensembles represent a wide array of majors, yet they come together to create something impactful for our entire community,” Miller said.

Ensembles started rehearsing together the Monday before Thanksgiving and spend much of this week in the Abbey Church preparing for the weekend’s performance.

CSB senior Claire Boettcher is not only a member of the Women’s Choir but also acts as the ensemble’s rehearsal assistant.

“Performing together as a group is truly beautiful,” Boettcher said. “I never take for granted the feeling I get while singing in the church. It is a wonderful reminder of how lucky we are to sing as a group in a space as stunning as the Abbey.”

Traditionally, the ensembles have traveled to Minneapolis for a concert at the Basilica of St. Mary; however, residual effects of the COVID pandemic have resulted in the cancellation of this year’s performance, though the concert is slated to return to the Basilica in 2023.

“It is a bittersweet feeling. On one hand, performing in the Basilica is an amazing opportunity and something we are grateful for. At the same time, however, we are extremely blessed to perform on campus in a space near and dear to our hearts. What matters the most is our ability to come together as a group and share our gift with the community,” Boettcher said.

Events such as Christmas with St. Ben’s and St. John’s not only heighten the sense of community on campus but also encourage students to get involved with the arts.

SJU junior Dan Eickhoff is a member of the Chamber Choir and encourages individuals to get involved in the arts in any way possible.

“There are many benefits to being involved with the music department on campus. The one that I think about the most is how kind and accepting everyone is. I have never met a group of more unique, friendly and amazing individuals,” Eickhoff said.

The concert marks Boettcher’s favorite time of the year, who, along with Eickhoff, values the community created through participation in the fine arts.

“Nothing makes me happier than singing together, hearing the magnitude of our voices and the swelling of the orchestra fill the space,” Boettcher said. “It’s a magical moment, for sure.”