arts & entertainment

From popular American composer Joseph Martin comes a special program for Advent and Christmas, filled with carols and candlelight. On Sunday, December 17, the Chancel Choir of First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach will present Ceremony of Candles during the 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM services at the church located at 520 Royal Palm Boulevard, 32960. Ceremony of Candles includes beloved songs such as “Silent Night,” “What Child is This?,” “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” “In the Bleak Midwinter” and many others. The cantata will be performed by the 45-member Chancel Choir, under the direction of Dr. Jacob Craig, who will also play the piano during the service. Additional live musical accompaniment for Ceremony of Candles will be provided by musicians on flute, clarinet and percussion. Featured soloists include soprano Jill Compton and John Toohey, baritone. Written in 2006, Ceremony of Candles is one of 50 cantatas by composer, Joseph Martin. A cooked breakfast benefiting the youth programs at First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach will follow each service. Donations are welcome. For more information, visit www.FirstPresVero.org or call 772-562-9088.       

Dr. Jacob Craig, Director of Music and Arts for First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach, looks forward to sharing the music of the Christmas season.

“The Chancel Choir has been rehearsing this beautiful work for weeks,” said Dr. Craig. “Music and the message of the Christmas story has the power to unite us all. We hope many members of the community will join us for these special musical services.” 

First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach is known for its musical and artistic outreach to the Central Florida community. Under the direction of Dr. Jacob Craig, the Chancel Choir welcomes musically inclined adults and high school students. The 45-member group rehearses on Wednesday evenings in the choir room from 6:30-8 PM. The choir performs for all Sunday services, including special events and cantatas at Christmas and Easter. For a list of upcoming events or for more information about First Presbyterian of Vero Beach, visit www.FirstPresVero.org.

ABOUT DR. JACOB CRAIG
Dr. Jacob Craig is the Director of Music and Arts at First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach. He received his Bachelor of Music Education and Piano Performance degree from Shorter University in Rome, Georgia before moving on to Tallahassee, Florida to receive his M.M. in Choral Conducting and Literature under Dr. Andre Thomas at Florida State University. As of 2019, Jacob completed his Doctorate of Sacred Music in Performance at the Graduate Theological Foundation and Oxford University. He is the Director of the Vero Beach Choral Society, ACTS Choristers, Sea Oaks Chorus, John’s Island Singers, and Silver Tones community choirs.  Jacob is also a competitive highland bagpipe player and Pipe Major for the Vero Beach Pipes and Drums.

ABOUT FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH– First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach, founded in 1958, is a congregation of about 800 members with a vision for mission and ministry to represent the heart of the Reformed Tradition. The church serves Indian River County and beyond, covering worship and service to meet the needs of the community. It is located at 520 Royal Palm Boulevard in Vero Beach, Florida. For more information about First Presbyterian services or upcoming music or art-related events, contact the office at (772) 562-9088 or visit www.FirstPresVero.org. Under the guidance of Dr. Jacob Craig, Director of Music and Arts, the music department consists of a chancel choir, hand bell ensemble, and a comprehensive youth music program with wind ensemble, choir, and orchestra. The church also houses The Galleries at First Pres, a collection of spaces throughout the campus dedicated to a rotating collection of curated art. In addition, First Presbyterian is the home of the Vero Beach Pipes and Drums, PRIMO School of Performing Arts, and the Vero Beach Choral Society. For more information, visit www.FirstPresVero.org.