Web Feature Posted October 23, 2012

Sacred Sounds: A New Venue and an Inaugural Year

By Ava Van

Video: The Sacred Sounds of Christmas, Seattle Pacific University performing groups.

Although in its 13th year, Seattle Pacific University’s acclaimed Sacred Sounds of Christmas concert has two big “firsts” this year: a new venue ― inside McCaw Hall at the Seattle Center; and new hosts, SPU’s president, Daniel J. Martin, and his wife, Pam, in his inaugural year as Seattle Pacific’s 10th president.

But what isn’t changing is that Sacred Sounds of Christmas will feature performances by the nationally recognized student and faculty musicians from SPU. Songs will be a blend of traditional and new Christmas music, as well as carols from around the world, all performed by the Concert Choir, Wind Symphony, Orchestra, and other SPU musicians.

“What makes this Christmas concert unique from others is that the audience can participate and sing along to some of the songs throughout the event,” says David Anderson, assistant professor of choral music and director of the Concert and Chamber choirs. “We have a great group of talented students and I’m excited to direct them. It’s going to be a fine concert this year.”

This year, Sacred Sounds also moved across town, from Benaroya Hall to McCaw Hall, one of the region’s premier performance venues. As part of the Seattle Center, McCaw Hall is currently home to the Pacific Northwest Ballet and Seattle Opera.

For more information about the event, visit spu.edu/events/sacred-sounds.

Sacred Sounds of Christmas Sunday, 4 p.m., November 25 McCaw Hall, Seattle Center 321 Mercer Street, Seattle