If you go
› What: Candlelight Service of Lessons and Carols› Where: Ridgedale Baptist Church, 1831 Hickory Valley Road› When: 7 p.m. Thursday-Friday, Dec. 13-14› Admission: Free› For more information: 423-855-2981
One of the Christmas season's most anticipated concerts is set for Thursday and Friday, Dec. 13-14, when the Roueche Chorale presents its 19th annual Candlelight Service of Lessons & Carols.
To accommodate crowds that have grown each year, performances are offered at 7 p.m. each night in he sanctuary of Ridgedale Baptist Church, 1831 Hickory Valley Road. The concert is free, as is on-site parking.
The Roueche Chorale is a nonprofit, interdenominational Christian ensemble that delivers the gospel message through music. The chorale is directed by Jeff Roueche, founder and artistic director, and accompanied by an orchestra and organist Lori George.
The lessons and carol service is a mix of music and scripture. The program contains advent and Christmas music that presents the gospel in a clear way, often including the congregation in singing traditional carols.
"Our annual program has become a tradition for many families here, and we're honored to be part of their holiday season," Roueché says. "This promises to be a beautiful program that will stir your heart and lift your spirit."
Harpist Maggie Lovell will play a prelude starting 20 minutes before the concert. Hampton Baxter will begin and end the service with the sounding of the shofar.
The chorale will process into the sanctuary to Harry Causey's "Alleluia." The service includes a dozen choral selections; among them, Stephen Curtis Chapman's "Immanuel," "I Wonder as I Wander," "Every Valley," "The Majesty and Glory of Your Name" and John Rutter's arrangement of "O Holy Night" featuring soloist Wayne Wilson
Other featured soloists will be Nancy Dryden, Mike Bunting, Ken Hunnicutt, Steve Hayton, Lillee Mathis and Stacie Caraway.
Anyone planning to attend should arrive early to get a good seat. These performances always are standing-room only.