Wartburg College

« Back to Recent News

Christmas with Wartburg marks 80th year with 'Dawn of Redeeming Grace'

Waverly, IA (11/04/2026) — A Wartburg Christmas tradition returns this December, bringing together the familiar sounds of the season and new musical works for an unforgettable celebration. The 80th annual Christmas with Wartburg, "Dawn of Redeeming Grace," will feature student musicians in performances Dec. 4-6 in Waverly and West Des Moines.

Tickets are now available for shows Saturday, Dec. 5, at 3 and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 6, at 3 p.m. in Wartburg College's Neumann Auditorium, as well as a performance at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, at Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines.

Designed by artistic director Lee Nelson, this year's program was inspired by the Christmas hymn "Silent Night" and its words "with the dawn of redeeming grace." The program will explore the promise of Christ's birth as a new dawn, with the overarching message celebrating the light, hope and grace that Christ's birth brings to the world.

"This year's program takes us on a musical journey from darkness into light, beginning with the ancient Advent hymn 'Creator of the Stars of Night' and unfolding into a glorious celebration of Christmas," Nelson said. "We'll feature everything from timeless carols to exciting contemporary works, including a beautiful new composition by our own Dr. Karen Black, 'Love Came to Earth That Day.'"

After 34 years, Black, professor of music and college organist, is retiring at the end of the academic year.

"Karen's extraordinary musicianship, her artistry at the organ and her deep commitment to the mission of Wartburg have enriched Christmas with Wartburg for many years. Featuring her at the organ and premiering her new composition will be a beautiful way to celebrate her legacy and express our gratitude for all she has given to this community," Nelson said.

Eight Wartburg musical ensembles will perform in this year's program: Wartburg Choir, Wind Ensemble, Castle Singers, Ritterchor (a bass clef ensemble), St. Elizabeth Chorale (a treble clef ensemble), Kantorei (a liturgical choir), the Handbell Choir and Kammerstreicher (a chamber orchestra).

Nelson directs the Wartburg Choir and Ritterchor. Duane Bierman, professor of music and director of bands, conducts the Wind Ensemble. Brett Gregory, visiting assistant professor of music education, directs the Castle Singers and St. Elizabeth Chorale. Rebecca Nederhiser, assistant professor of music, directs Kammerstreicher. Black plays the organ and leads Kantorei and the Handbell Choir.

"One of the most remarkable things about Christmas with Wartburg is bringing together more than 300 student musicians from eight different ensembles to create something none of us could accomplish alone," Nelson said. "There's an incredible energy when all of those voices and instruments come together, and it's a wonderful reflection of the community, faith and shared purpose that make Wartburg so special."

This year's production is made possible, in part, through the support of Sukup Manufacturing.

Tickets are $22 to $28 for all Waverly performances and $28 for the West Des Moines performance. A buffet dinner reception will be offered Friday at 6 p.m. in West Des Moines and in Waverly on Saturday and Sunday at 5 p.m. for an additional cost of $27; concert tickets are not required. All tickets can be purchased online at www.wartburg.edu/christmas.

Media Attachments

Christmas with Wartburg 2025

Copyright © 2026 Merit Pages, Inc. • All Rights Reserved. • Terms of Service • Privacy Policy • Opt Out