West Liberty University choir and friends, with support from the Vance Memorial Presbyterian Church Special Music Fund, and the Nutting Foundation Arts & Ideas Program, will proudly present two performances of “Bookends by Bach” at 3 and 7 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 8 at Vance Memorial Presbyterian Church, 905 National Road, Wheeling.

Dr. Al de Jaager will conduct the combined choirs for the December 8 concert.

Pre-concert lectures will be presented by conductor Dr. Alfred de Jaager beginning at 2:15 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. Early arrival is encouraged.

The WLU Concert Choir and Chorus, an orchestra comprised of tri-state area musicians, students from Wheeling Park and Brooke High Schools, and members of St. Matthew’s Parish Choir – all under the direction of Dr. de Jaager – will present J. S. Bach’s “Cantata No. 140,” his “Magnificat” and Ralph Vaughan Williams’ “Fantasia on Christmas Carols.”

“The huge response to 2011’s “Messiah” and 2012’s “Gloria” presentations has led to this year’s two-concert format,” explained Deborah Poldoski Breiding, Vance organist and choir director. “And even though the concerts offer free admission, tickets are required.”

Professor de Jaager directs the University Chorus, the Madrigal Choir, and the Concert Choir. He also teaches conducting and music literature classes. He is a recipient of the Award of Excellence by the American Choral Directors Association of West Virginia in 2002 and he received the 2006 Professor of the Year award from the West Liberty Student Government Association.

Doors will open one hour before each concert at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please reserve tickets by calling the WLU music department at 304-336-8930.

A free will offering will be accepted to benefit Laughlin Memorial Chapel and Wheeling Soup Kitchen.

For more information on the WLU Department of Music, its academic programs and events, please click here.