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By David Moretti

Excitement for the Christmas season has come to the ����ֱ����վ University of America.

As students, faculty, and staff gathered on the Edward J. Pryzbyla Center's third floor for the annual “Light the Season” Christmas tree lighting on Dec. 1, senior Sam Nwuha called the evergreen tree “a beautiful symbol of Christ’s life-giving presence among us.”

The cherished traditional lighting was kicked off by performances from some of the University’s a cappella groups. During the lighting ceremony, University President Dr. Peter Kilpatrick called the season “the time we all come together as a family and try to give back to our community and those that are needy.”

Community members then gathered in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception for the annual Christmas Concert for Charity, hosted by the Rome School of Music, Drama, and Art.

Each year, students from the ����ֱ����վ University’s choir prepare for their Christmas concert for charity. The concert consisted of performances by the ����ֱ����վ University Choir and Symphony Orchestra under the musical direction of Murry Sidlin, professor of instrumental music and conducting.

President Kilpatrick called the concert is a “testimony to the exceptional talents of our students.” 

President Kilpatrick also referred to the season of Advent as “a time when we really celebrate the fact that we have been saved.”

The annual concert boasted over 100 area musicians, including University community members alongside guest performers from around the D.C. area. Among these guest artists was Sharon Christman, who has been called a “dazzling” performer across her multiple appearances in opera ensembles nationwide.

The ����ֱ����վ University Choir featured soloists Nora Spring, Sophia Spencer, Maria Conti, Katie Vitale, Gabriel Thompson, Miguel Villalobos, Aidan Feeny, and Anthony Curioso.

The performers celebrated Christmas with compositions from artists including Camille Saint-Saens and Claude Debussy. Later in the concert, the crowd stood, joining classic Christmas songs like “Hark The Herald Angels Sing,” set by Sir David Willcocks. 

Alongside being a showcase of community talent and a celebration of the Christmas season, the concert also benefits charities. Concert donation proceeds benefited The Little Workers of the Sacred Hearts, which provides service to the poor, education, and healthcare across the world.

Participate in more Christmas events throughout December on the University's campus.

View a slideshow by University photographer Patrick G. Ryan from the unforgettable night.