Central ND News

The University of Mary is set to host the 63rd Annual Christmas at Mary Concert, a long-standing tradition that marks the holiday season. The event will be held at Our Lady of the Annunciation Chapel on the university's campus in Bismarck, North Dakota. Performances are scheduled for Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, at 7:30 p.m., with an additional matinee on Sunday, December 8, at 3 p.m.

Designed by architect Marcel Breuer, the chapel has been central to this celebration since it began in 1961. This year’s concert will feature six ensembles from the university and a total of 145 student musicians performing a selection of Christmas music. Senior Theodore Paul Kariuki will narrate scripture passages during the event.

Dr. Rebecca Raber, who directs the Concert Choir and Choral Studies at the University of Mary, commented on the purpose of these concerts: “These concerts are meant to provide a respite—an opportunity for you to be in our beautiful chapel and breathe in both the stillness and anticipation of Advent and the overflowing joy of the Christmas season.” Dr. Raber is leading her first Christmas at Mary concert after more than three decades of experience with similar events.

The program includes performances by various groups such as the Concert Choir, Cappella, Gabrieli Brass, Double Reed Ensemble, Saxophone Quartet, and Percussion Ensemble. Admission is free but attendees are encouraged to arrive early due to limited seating in the main chapel; overflow seating will be available.

For those interested in learning more about the University of Mary or its programs can contact admissions representatives or visit their website. The university offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs across several disciplines and maintains campuses in multiple locations including North Dakota and Rome.