The 89th Annual St. Olaf Christmas Festival concluded last Sunday with a final standing ovation from the thousands packed inside Skoglund Center.

The concert showcased the talents of more than 500 student musicians. In addition to these talented musicians were conductors, faculty members, administrators and security personnel who ensured that the concert ran smoothly.

The theme of the concert was "He comes to Us." The St. Olaf Orchestra, Viking Chorus, Chapel Choir, the St. Olaf Cantorei, Manitou Singers, and the St. Olaf Choir performed as a mass ensemble and individually during the 2-hour concert. In addition, Pastor Benson provided the narration and Gospel reading.

A crowd favorite was the Viking Chorus' "Listen to the Sounds in Heaven". The song included whistling and the implied drum sounds. Other concert-goers were struck by the St. Olaf Choir and the spiritual, "Rise Up, Shepherd, and Follow." One person described the song as "upbeat and empowering."

Others commented on the orchestra's piece, "Carillon." Bill Knutson of Amarillo, Texas, said that, "listening to the orchestra play is no different than paying to see a professional orchestra in a major city."

Suzannah Johnston, a member of the Manitou Singers, admitted to being a bit nervous before her first Christmas Fest experience. She felt confident about the music, though, thanks to practices every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday in addition to extra rehearsals and mass-choir rehearsals as concert time grew near.

Her favorite memory of the concert series was when "we were standing on the perimeter of the people singing, "Splendor is Coming" and I saw an elderly woman gaze lovingly at her husband as soon we began to sing. It's at times like that when you see the impact of the music on people and we know why we put on the concert."

Viking chorus member Andy Johnson said he had an "amazing and fulfilling time" during the Festival. His favorite performance was Sunday afternoon because, "everything just seemed to go a little bit better. It was really fun."

Johnson is the son of Sigrid Johnson, Manitou Singers director. What is it like to put on a concert with his mom? "Perfectly normal", said Johnson. He did, however have to put up with some teasing from the Viking Chorus bass section. The only thing Johnson disliked about the performances was the bleachers. He said they were "crowded, smelly, and they made my entire upper back sore. Walking across them without staring down was impossible."

Jenn Trudeau said that her initiation to the Christmas Fest experience was "wonderful." She said that she came away thoroughly impressed. Trudeau remarked, "the hardwork of all the musicians came through and really paid off."

People were also impressed by the Scandinavian smorgasbord available in Stav Hall and the Black and Gold Ballroom. The music and decorations in Buntrock Commons enhanced the Christmas Fest experience. The tall pine trees outside the Pause elicited murmurs from the crowds and questions of just how they got the lights on the upper-reaches of the tree.

The choir and orchestra delivered four performances to sold-out crowds. Concert attendees were given individual seats this year, unlike the bleacher-style seating of years past. Marilyn Hogstrom, 89, of Milwaukee, Wis. said that the new seating greatly enhances the concert experience. She said in years past she dreaded sitting in the crowded bleachers and was often uncomfortable. With the addition of the chairs she is sure that she will be able to return to the concert many times in the years to come. She had "worried that she would have to miss her favorite Christmas event" due to her discomfort.

Overall, a fine Christmas Fest experience was had by all. Alums, parents, students, and musicians walked out of Skoglund with smiles on their faces and the anticipation of Christmas in their hearts.