Christmas tradition: C-N to hold tree lighting and oratorio events

^{The Christmas Tree Lighting Service has been a C-N tradition for over 30 years.}

Carson-Newman’s Music Department will open the Christmas season with two events that have become an East Tennessee tradition. The annual Christmas Tree Lighting will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, November 30, and a large chorus will present C-N’s annual oratorio, Handel’s Messiah, at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, December 2.

The tree lighting service will be held in the lobby of Tarr Music Center and the Oratorio will be presented in the sanctuary of Jefferson City’s First Baptist Church. Both events are free and open to the public.

“Ceremonies such as the Christmas Tree Lighting and the Oratorio are ways music functions within society to promote human culture,” said Dr. Jeremy Buckner, department chair. “There is no greater news than the Good News of God’s grace and redemption through Jesus Christ. We invite others to share in this celebration of Advent with us as student and faculty members bring great music and Christmas cheer!”

For more information on either program, contact the Music Department at 865-471-3328.