arts & entertainment

As Christmas nears, Christians around the world will gather to reflect on and commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. Carols and hymns play an important role, uniting generations of believers and expressing a shared joy. On Sunday, December 22, the Chancel Choir of First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach will present What Sweeter Music, a Festival of Carols during the 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM services at the church located at 520 Royal Palm Boulevard, 32960. What Sweeter Music is a sumptuous feast of 15 Christmas carols plus several original songs from the pen of contemporary composer of church music, Mark Hayes. The joyous opening medley is a preview of exceptional moments to come, from a powerful setting of the Magnificat to the charming “Cradle Medley.” The music flows sensitively between movements as Reverend Dr. Timothy Womack shares the Christmas story. 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 services. The audience will be invited to join in the singing of carols twice during the program. Additional live musical accompaniment for What Sweeter Music will be provided by a chamber ensemble of percussion, flute and trumpet. Soprano Jill Compton will be a featured soloist. 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 Advent celebration with Vero Beach residents.

“This will be a glorious and meaningful musical experience for everyone who hears it,” said Dr. Craig. “The music is just beautiful– and our Chancel Choir has been rehearsing it for weeks. We hope many members of the community will join us as we delight in the singing of traditional carols for Christmas.”

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. He 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.