Lees-McRae College’s Division of Performing Arts will end the fall 2007 season with two performances of the annual Candlelight Christmas Concert in Hayes Auditorium. The first will be held 
following the High Country Christmas Reception, an Avery County alumni gathering, on Saturday, December 1 at 7:30 p.m. The second and final performance will be Sunday, December 2 at 2 p.m.
This year’s concert will feature students and faculty presentations of solos, duets, piano solos, dance pieces, reader’s theatre, talking heads, and a special appearance by the big man himself – Santa! The annual tradition is appropriate for all ages and is a great way to get into the Christmas spirit. As always, Hayes Auditorium will be decked to the nines with Christmas trees, wreaths, garlands, Christmas gifts, poinsettias, and thousands of Christmas lights.
The Christmas concert is an important part of the holiday tradition at Lees-McRae. The tradition began thirty years ago this Christmas, and has continued due to its success and community support. The first performances were held in the Pinnacle Room, decorated with greenery in the rafters with tiny lights strewn throughout. Performing Arts faculty served gingerbread and spiced tea, just like they would in Renaissance England, and a fire was always burning in the fireplace.
When the crowds became too large for the Pinnacle Room, the performance was moved to Hayes Auditorium. Although the concert was held in a larger venue, the intimacy was preserved by continuing to present the concert by candlelight.
Each year’s concert is a little different than the last, but it has become a staple for the community and campus as a sign that the holiday season is here!
Tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for children and students. Any student ID is accepted. Tickets will be sold at the door. The Box Office will open one hour prior to show time. For additional show information, please visit www.performingarts.lmc.edu or call (828) 898-8721.