Celebration of Christians and Jewish traditions in song
The spirit of the holiday season is meant to bring people together and remind us that despite our differences, we are all looking to find brotherhood and peace within our communities. In this spirit of togetherness, Virginia Donaldson Olander, G'83, has written and composed the productions "The Advent Journey: God's People"Ancient Symbols from the Judeo-Christian Traditions and "We Prepare Together" An Advent Program for children. These free concerts will take place Friday, December 17, at 1:30 p.m., at the Holy Name of Jesus Church, between the celebration of Hanukah and Christmas.
Olander has been inspired to bring the Jewish and Christian communities together since she was a college freshman and learned the relationship of the two traditions through the practice of chanting in a class taught by the late Fr. Clement J. Mc-Naspy, professor emeritus in the College of Music. "At that time, I knew this was fascinating but I had no idea what to do with it. Let's just say a seed was planted." Olander hopes that this program will help to explain the term Judeo-Christian and show people the relationship that exists between the two religions. "This program answers this question as it relates to the symbols used by Jewish people which were then passed to the Christians early on and eventually incorporated into Advent," explains Olander.
The concerts will include prayers recited in Hebrew and English by celebrants of both religions: Cantor Joel Cole-man from Temple Sinai and the pastor of Holy Name of Jesus Church, Fr. Thomas Stahel, S.J. There will also be narrations performed by children and a 200-member choir. In the program, "We Prepare Together," the symbols of Advent will be explained and presented. Olander says, "December seems to be the perfect time of year for us to come together as all of God's people."
For the past years, Olander has worked as a piano teacher, singer/song-writer, and composer and has worked to bring music to New Orleans through the Jazz and Heritage Festival and Essence Festival. She is currently the music director at Holy Name of Jesus School and conducts a children's choir.
