Trevecca Music Faculty Take Lead in Christmas Concert

Faculty members in Trevecca’s School of Music and Worship Arts were at the forefront of a seasonal concert on December 4 benefiting Nashville’s Room in the Inn.

The concert, featuring J.S. Bach’s “Magnificat” and Christmas works by John Rutter, was performed by the Concert Chorale of Nashville, consisting of 30 talented singers and chamber orchestral players. Trevecca’s Dr. Tim Sharp is principal conductor for the chorale, and he was joined on the podium by Trevecca music professor Tom Lerew, who conducted part of the program. Also featured in the Bach selection were voice faculty members Angela Carr Forsythe, soprano, and Emma Jane Sharp, mezzo soprano.

“The intersection of missions between Concert Chorale and our Center for Community Arts Innovation made this connection with Trevecca a natural fit,” Sharp said. “It’s also fitting that our concert featuring Mary’s song of praise, “Magnificat,” should benefit the homeless, as Mary and Joseph found themselves in those very circumstances at the moment of Jesus’ birth.”

The free concert took place at St. Henry Catholic Church in Nashville. A love offering was collected to benefit Room in the Inn.

Concert Chorale of Nashville is an ensemble artist in residence at Trevecca this year. The group rehearses weekly at Trevecca under the artistic leadership of Trevecca faculty members. They will perform again in the Spring, joined by Trevecca student choirs. The chorale was founded in 1998 to enrich the Middle Tennessee area through free concerts of choral music that benefit local nonprofits.

Room in the Inn is a program centered on community and long-term support for those who call the streets of Nashville home. It was established in the winter of 1985, when founding Director Father Charles Strobel opened the doors of his parish to individuals seeking sanctuary in the church parking lot.