CLU announces holiday events





California Lutheran University’s symphony, choirs and student soloists will present the annual Christmas Festival Concerts at 8 p.m. Fri. and Sat., Dec. 2 and 3 and at 4 p.m. Sun., Dec. 4 in Samuelson Chapel on the CLU campus at 60 W. Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks. The concerts will feature choral and orchestral Christmas music. The university symphony will be showcased in a performance of a Brandenburg Concerto by J.S. Bach, followed by a narrated suite of Christmas music featuring the CLU choral ensembles. The symphony and choirs will then perform “Gloria” by Antonio Vivaldi. A freewill offering will be received.

Kwanzaa, an African American holiday honoring family, community and culture, will be celebrated from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sat., Dec. 3 in Preus-Brandt Forum on the CLU campus.

The traditional Kwanzaa, which was started in Africa to celebrate the first fruits of the season, is observed for seven days from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1. CLU’s one-day Kwanzaa celebration will include dancers, gospel music, vendors with arts and crafts, and authentic African food. Admission is free.

A reenactment of “Las Posadas” will be at 7 p.m. Sun., Dec. 4 in the Student Union Building. Las Posadas, an age-old reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter and a place for the birth of the baby Jesus, is celebrated in many Mexican American communities. Its history dates back to 16th century Mexico and has become part of the traditional Christmas celebrations in many parts of the Southwest. Admission is free.

CLU’s Hillel Jewish Student Organization will host a Hanukkah celebration at 4 p.m. Wed., Dec. 7 in the Student Union Building. In celebration of the Jewish holiday, which officially begins at sundown on Dec. 7, students have invited residents from the community to join in the lighting of the menorah. Admission is free.

The CLU community will host Advent Vespers, featuring the CLU Choir under the direction of Dr. Wyant Morton, at 4 p.m. Wed., Dec. 7. For information call Campus Ministry at (805) 493-3228.


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