Grammy Award-Winning Conductor Returns For Wheaton College Artist Series Performance

The Wheaton College Artist Series presents “Songs Of Praise” featuring music by Felix Mendelssohn, J.S. Bach, and James MacMillan on Friday, February 24 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale now for this distinctive program celebrating the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation.

Grammy Award-winning conductor and Wheaton College alumnus John Nelson will conduct the performance of Mendelssohn’s great Lobgesang—“Hymn of Praise.” Written in 1840 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the invention of the printing press, the symphony-cantata became popular immediately.

Maestro Nelson is renowned for his interpretations of large Romantic works, opera performances, and vibrant and stylish performances of Baroque music. He is celebrating his 20th anniversary with the Wheaton College Artist Series. On this, his seventh appearance, he will be accompanied by internationally acclaimed soloists along with the choirs and orchestra of the Wheaton College Conservatory of Music. The program is presented in partnership with SDG Music Foundation, which Nelson helped found.

The program also features John William Trotter conducting a performance of J.S. Bach’s most famous choral cantata, Ein feste Burg—“A Mighty Fortress.” The evening opens with Mary Hopper conducting the Wheaton College Men’s Glee Club and Women’s Chorale in a performance of Alpha and Omega by Scottish composer, James MacMillan.

The Wheaton College Artist Series dates back to 1950 and has brought countless international, national, and regional entertainers to DuPage County. Concerts are held at the college’s Edman Chapel, a welcoming venue close to home that allows guests to experience warm hospitality with great music at a great value. General admission seating is $45. Seniors receive a $5 discount and student tickets are just $10. Discounted tickets also are available for groups of 20 or more.

Prior to “Songs of Praise,” ticket holders are invited to enjoy Grace Notes—a conversation hosted by Dr. Johann Buis, associate professor of music—at 6:30 p.m., also in Edman Chapel. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available online, by phone, or at the Ticket Office before the event. The Wheaton College Ticket Office is located on the first floor of the Student Services Building, next to the Wheaton College Bookstore, at 418 N. Chase Street. Ticket Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Tickets also can be purchased the night of the event at the Edman Chapel Box Office starting at 6:15 p.m. Edman Chapel is located at 401 E. Franklin Street (corner of Washington and Franklin) in Wheaton. Free parking is available in the lot on the north side of the auditorium. Additional parking is available in the lot east of the Billy Graham Center on College Avenue with free shuttle service to Edman Chapel. Shuttle service begins at 6:30 p.m. for the 7:30 p.m. performance.

To reserve a seat for “Songs of Praise,” visit www.ArtistSeries.org or call (630) 752-5010.