While Eventide had been held in the same space for many years—the last time in 2021 before construction began, with masks and open windows, as Arts Department Chair Dr. Debra Spiro-Allen reminded the audience—this was the first time it was held in the newly reimagined Klingenstien Concert Hall, the centerpiece of the Alice Dodge Wallace ’38 Center for the Performing Arts.

This December tradition on Mount Ida began in 1932 as a Christmas play with choral embellishments, then evolved into a Christmas Service, Christmas Vespers, and now Eventide. What was once a religious service tied to a Christian faith tradition now reflects the diverse population of students and faculty who call Emma Willard School home. 

 

“The beauty of what we do is how the tradition lives on, but grows with the people and with the school,” says Dr. Spiro-Allen. “We keep it alive through evolution.” Both time and circumstances have shaped today’s tradition of showcasing both instrumental and vocal music. 

After opening remarks by Dr. Spiro-Allen, the Orchestra performed two movements of Saint-Georges’ Sinfonia in D and Handel’s “Evening Song.” An energetic interlude of Rossini’s “La Gazza Ladra” by the Chamber Orchestra rounded out the instrumental performance.

 

The choral performances began with The Semiquavers’ performance of the traditional “Hava Nashira” and “Psallite” by Michael Praetorius. Joined by the members of The Inner Choir, the performance continued with Victor Johnson’s musical adaptation of Robert Frost’s poem, “Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening,” followed by Telemann’s Bringet Her Dem Herrn. With the full Choir on stage, the performance continued with Adriano Banchieri’s “Come Celebrate This Day,” Ruth Elaine Schram’s musical adaptation of William Shakespeare’s poem, “Blow, Blow Thou Winter Wind,” and ending with “Umoja” by Zanaida Robles. 

 

This year’s event marked another first as well: Dr. Karen Lassey’s first Eventide as head of school. She spoke of one of her favorite songs of the season, “In the Bleak Midwinter,” and even sang it a capella for those gathered. Acknowledging that this time of year can be a difficult one for many reasons, Dr. Lassey finds hope. “We are drawn together at this time of year…across different cultures and different faith traditions. Often, it is the gift of light and of music that lifts us up in the midst of the dark and cold,” she shared, preparing the audience for the Ceremony of Lights.

 

At the end of the concert, the crowd gathered around the Senior Triangle, backlit by the holiday tree shining from the window of Lyon-Remington. As the choir filled the Wallace Center steps, they sang the final signature strains of Eventide, “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming.” Although a bluster of wind extinguished the flames of every wax candle lit, the glow of flameless candles and cell phone flashlights popped out of the darkness to illuminate the moment.