Advent Now! From left, back row, are students Valerie Nozzolo, Anna McBride, Marcus Wiles, Kristiana McCombs, Josiah Sytsma, and Richard Notice and Dr. Austin Patty. Front row, Alexanrda Smith and Jonathan Robbins.
Lee University’s musical ensemble Advent Now! will perform a benefit concert titled “Advent Now! Christmas in November” on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. in Squires Recital Hall to raise funds for a musical missions trip to Japan.
According to Dr. Austin Patty, director of the ensemble, less than one percent of Japanese people call themselves Christians, and Advent Now! was specially formed to share the “good news” in Japan through a series of concerts held Dec. 9-24.
“In Japan, where the arts are highly valued, music draws people in—especially Christmas music because the people of Japan are fascinated with our Christmas traditions,” said Dr. Patty. “I believe that music has the power to speak across cultures, to touch the hearts of people all around the globe. We are called Advent Now! because we celebrate Jesus coming as a baby long ago and because he comes to live inside people now, this very Advent season.”
The ensemble is composed of a select group of students from Lee’s School of Music and consists of a vocal quintet, two violinists, a clarinetist, a cellist, a pianist, a bassist, and a percussionist.
The concert will feature a diverse program of vocal and instrumental Christmas music, including classical, jazz, and black gospel music.
“I am very excited about this group of musicians,” said Dr. Patty. “I have seldom seen this level of commitment before. They are eager to share the gospel of Jesus Christ, and they are willing to work hard on our preparations.”
This concert is free and open to the public, but donations are welcome. Donations may be made at the door or online, and proceeds will go toward the musical missions trip in December. To donate online, visit www.leeuniversity.edu, click on "Alumni & Partners," then click on the “Give” button. Be sure to type “Japan Trip” in the “Comments” box.
For more information, visit the “Advent Now! 2014” page on Facebook, call 614-8666 or email apatty@leeuniversity.edu.