Christmas at Heritage Center to Celebrate the Spiritual Meaning of the Season

DUBUQUE, Iowa - Celebrate the spiritual meaning of the season and experience a beloved University of Dubuque tradition with Christmas at Heritage Center "Come, Messiah" at 7:30 p.m. Friday, December 5, 2025, in John and Alice Butler Hall, Heritage Center. This holiday concert is part of the 13th annual Live at Heritage Center Performing Arts Series.

Christmas at Heritage Center will feature the musical gifts of UD's Department of Fine and Performing Arts including the UD Concert Band, conducted by Nolan Hauta, DMA, director of concert bands and associate professor of instrumental music; the UD Concert Choir, UD Chamber Singers, UD Treble Choir, and UD Handbell Ensemble, directed by Kristen Eby, MM, head of the Department of Fine and Performing Arts, director of choral activities, and associate professor of music; and the UD String Ensemble, conducted by Tracey Rush, MM, adjunct professor of music.

"We have had so much growth this year that we have too many instrumentalists to fit on the stage together," Eby said. "So, we will start with the Orchestra for the first few pieces and then bring on the Concert Band to join the Choirs for the remainder of the program."

Additionally, members of the Dubuque Community String Orchestra, conducted by Rush, will perform with UD's ensembles and Charles Barland, DMA, professor of music and university organist, will play the John and Alice Butler Pipe Organ.

Christmas at Heritage Center will include new and traditional Christmas favorites such as "The Rocking Carol," "Jesus Christ the Apple Tree," "Personent Hodie," "Silent Night," and more.

There will also be live narration written and spoken by Mary Emily Duba, PhD, chair of UD's Department of Theology and associate professor of theology.

"I love having a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the dedication, talent, and excitement that students and faculty bring to this performance," Duba said. "Crafting the narration is a creative and prayerful process. I weave together this year's theme and musical selections with threads of Scripture, poetry, and proclamation."

It will be the fourth Christmas at Heritage Center for Ethan Renne, a junior music and theatre double major from Asbury, Iowa, who is a member of the UD Concert Choir, UD Chamber Singers, and UD Handbell Ensemble. What he enjoys most about performing with Christmas at Heritage Center is sharing a night of music and reverence with the community.

"Every year we work to create a memorable work of art," Renne said. "I hope the audience leaves with a newfound appreciation for the arts and a sense of belonging, both here at UD and in our greater community."

Complimentary holiday refreshments and live music from the UD Jazz Band, conducted by Evan Glickman, DMA, director of jazz and athletic bands and assistant professor of music, will immediately follow the concert in CyberCafe and American Trust Lounge inside Heritage Center.

Tickets may be purchased now! Stop by the Farber Box Office, Heritage Center, 2255 Bennett Street; call 563.585.7469; or visit www.dbq.edu/heritagecenter to purchase tickets. The box office is open from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 90 minutes prior to events.

The Heritage Performing Arts Loyalty System (H-PALS) allows patrons to earn rewards with most ticket purchases. For every $200 spent on eligible events, patrons will receive one free ticket (valued up to $50) to their choice of eligible event. Reward points are redeemable for Live at Heritage Center Performing Arts Series events only. Visit www.dbq.edu/heritagecenter for more details.

Christmas at Heritage Center will air on KDTH (AM 1370) at 11:00 p.m. Christmas Eve, Wednesday, December 24, 2025, and 5:00 p.m. Christmas Day, Thursday, December 25, 2025. It will also air on KAT FM (92.9) at noon Christmas Eve and 1:00 p.m. Christmas Day.

In case of inclement weather, Christmas at Heritage Center's snow date is 2:00 p.m. Saturday, December 6, 2025.