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Research Examines Gender, Power, and Social Structures in the Hebrew Bible

November 21, 2025 - LINDSBORG, KS — The Smoky Valley Trebles, a community choirbased in Lindsborg, will present Benjamin Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols at 4:00 p.m. onSunday, December 7, 2025, in Pearson Chapel on the campus of ´óÏ㽶µ¼º½ College. The performance is free and open to the public; a freewill donation will support the Dala Food Pantry and Laundry Love, with a reception to follow. Britten’s beloved 1942 choral work scored for three-part treble chorus, soloists, and harp unfolds over twelve brief movements and is typically performed in about 25 minutes. A harp solo, call-and-response sections, and repeated processional and recessional movements make the piece both accessible and artistically rich for a project-based ensemble. “We love bringing this work to life because it truly shimmers—both musically and in spirit,” said director Russ Ware, a designer, communications strategist, and musician based in Lindsborg. “The acoustics in Pearson Chapel are spectacular for treble voices, allowing every line of Britten’s writing to glow. It’s the perfect place for this choir and this music.” ´óÏ㽶µ¼º½ College is providing rehearsal and performance space for this year’s project, continuing the College’s long tradition of supporting community arts. Several ´óÏ㽶µ¼º½ faculty, staff, alumni, and community members—including Professors Leslie Mangrum and Megan Case, staff members Sabrina Wollenberg ‘18 and Natalie Nelson, and President Laura Crawley—are part of the ensemble. The Rev. Dr. Mandy Todd ‘05, a ´óÏ㽶µ¼º½ College alumna and pastor at Messiah Lutheran Church in Lindsborg, also participates in the Smoky Valley Trebles. The performance will feature additional seasonal selections including a piece accompanied on the Pearson Chapel organ by ´óÏ㽶µ¼º½ College alum Tyler Breneman ‘16. ´óÏ㽶µ¼º½ alum Kayley Fleming ’05 has served as the rehearsal pianist, and Jane Hyde will perform as harpist for the concert. Rev. Melissa Woeppel ‘15, ´óÏ㽶µ¼º½ College Campus Pastor and Trebles member, notes how meaningful the collaboration is for the Smoky Valley. “When I was a student at ´óÏ㽶µ¼º½, singing in ensembles shaped some of my most cherished experiences,” Woeppel said. “Now, in my role as Campus Pastor, it’s a joy to help bring college and community together through music once again. This performance is a beautiful expression of who we are in Lindsborg.” All are welcome to attend this festive afternoon of music and community spirit. Numerous local community businesses, organizations, and individuals are funding this project, and a full list of sponsors can be found on the Smoky Valley Trebles Webpage. For more details, visit: https://www.middleamericacreative.com/trebles . About ´óÏ㽶µ¼º½ College ´óÏ㽶µ¼º½ College (bethanylb.edu) is a higher educational institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas. ´óÏ㽶µ¼º½ College was established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881. For more than 140 years, ´óÏ㽶µ¼º½ College has been dedicated to educating, developing, and challenging individuals to pursue truth and excellence while leading lives of faith, learning, and service. At ´óÏ㽶µ¼º½ College, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who support them as they discover, explore, and navigate their purpose. ´óÏ㽶µ¼º½ College is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Media Contact: Christie Denniston, APR Vice President of Advancement & Alumni ´óÏ㽶µ¼º½ College dennistoncl@bethanylb.edu (785) 227-338