If you go
› What: Chattanooga Candlelight Service of Lessons & Carols› Where: Christ United Methodist Church, 8645 East Brainerd Road› When: 7 p.m. Thursday-Friday, Dec. 14-15› Admission: Free› For more information: 423-855-2981
One of the season's most popular Christmas concerts takes place Thursday and Friday night, Dec. 14-15, when the Roueche Chorale presents its annual Chattanooga Candlelight Service of Lessons & Carols. The choir is directed by Jeff Roueche.
The program will begin at 7 p.m. both nights in Christ United Methodist Church, 8645 East Brainerd Road.
This nondenominational service tells the story of the birth of Christ through scripture mingled with song.
As is tradition, Hampton Baxter will blow the shofar to open the service, followed by the choir processional to "Alleluia," featuring soloist Stephanie Randall.
Lay readers will be Jim Stover, Ed Reeves, Marcia Kling, Emory Fry, Sheri Fava, David Hall, Nora Montieth, Harriet Cash and Dave Morais.
The choir, accompanied by an orchestra, will perform "Advent Jubilation," "Canticle of Mary," "God So Loved the World" and "The Majesty and Glory of Your Name." The audience will join the choir in singing several carols.
Featured soloists will be Ruth Gonter in "Advent Canticle," Reilley Malone and Christopher Randall on "Candlelight Carol," Sandy Vice and Steve Hayton on "In the Beginning," Janna Franks on "Silent Night" and Jay Craig on "I Choose."
The program traditionally concludes with a candlelighting to "Silent Night."
Longtime patrons of this concert know to arrive early for a good seat. The auditorium is often filled as much as a half-hour before show time.