Advent in Harmony: Tucson Choirs Unite for a Festive Celebration

On the first Sunday in Advent, ELCA congregations in Tucson did a new thing by gathering for a combined Christmas choir concert. Dr. Gréta Pásztor, Director of Music Ministry at Our Saviour's, organized the joint event. Musicians from Desert Hills, Mount Zion, Santa Cruz, Lutheran Church of the Foothills, Beautiful Savior, Tanque Verde, Lord of Grace, and Our Saviour's participated. Directors included: Barbara Blachly, Dr. James Higgs, Dane Alexander Carten, Norman Engstrom, Jennifer Wortman,  Dr. Gréta Pásztor, and Andy Bade. The musicians and soloists included: Murry Holmstrom, Rebecca Solomon, Todd Martin, Samantha Locke, Woan Ching Lim, Nilu Dorschner, Mindi Acosta, Lars Andersen, Susan Swanson, Dr. Ji Sun Lee, Dr. Gréta Pásztor, and Laurie Graham.

Anesu Samuel Masango, a Choral Scholar at Our Saviour's, was a spirited emcee for the afternoon. Rev. Rebecca Boardman and Anna Wendelin from Lutheran Campus Ministry shared about their upcoming trip to Guatemala. LCM students helped collect a freewill offering, receiving $2,950 in gifts. 

Over 350 people (including the 120 musicians) gathered for a festive and moving afternoon. Each choir shared a song or two. For the grand finale, the choirs combined for a stirring group rendition of "O Holy Night." All were invited to stay to enjoy cookies and conversation following the concert.

You can watch and listen to a recording of the concert here.

You can support Lutheran Campus Ministry's trip to Guatemala by clicking here.

Photos by: J. Wahl