A cherished part of Iola’s Christmas season will return in 2023.
The annual Christmas Vespers concert, which hasn’t been held since 2019, is planned for Dec. 10 at Iola’s Wesley United Methodist Church.
“We’ve missed it,” said Jan Knewtson, who returns to direct the choir. “I’ve heard people say, it’s not Christmas without Vespers.”
Rehearsals begin Wednesday, Oct. 11, in the Bowlus Fine Arts Center choir room. Every Wednesday is designated as practice time, starting at about 8:15 p.m., until the last week before the concert, when extra rehearsals will be held.
Accompanying the concert is pianist Roberta Wilkes of Yates Center.
“She’s a very accomplished musician,” Knewtson said.
Dr. Jeffery Anderson, head of the Allen Community College music department, will provide pre-concert music as well.
As in years past, the Vespers concert is free to the public, as a musical Christmas gift to the community. A reception for the singers and community will follow the 3 p.m. show.
THE IOLA Music Club started Vespers in 1955. It became an annual tradition, even after the Music Club folded, until the COVID-19 pandemic prompted organizers to cancel the 2020 concert.
KNEWTSON is recruiting singers for the choir to present the collection of religious and secular Christmas music. New tunes will be performed along with the traditional standards.
For more information, contact Knewtson at (620) 380-1711.
