School of Performing Arts to present ‘A CBU Christmas’

Riverside, Calif. (Dec. 1, 2022) – The Shelby and Ferne Collinsworth School of Performing Arts is thrilled to present its fifth annual Christmas special “Gloria – A CBU Christmas” on Dec. 3 and 4.

Guests are invited to experience holiday music in a broad array of musical styles and celebrate the timeless message of the Christmas season.

The show features world renowned artists, accomplished artist faculty and more than 350 gifted CBU music students. Guest artists include Grammy-winner Alan Parsons, opera tenor Bruce Sledge and many more.

Dr. Joseph Bolin, dean of the School of Performing Arts, said the performance gives CBU a platform to communicate clearly, creatively and on a mass scale the true meaning of Christmas.

“This performance showcases the breadth of the School of Performing Arts at CBU,” Bolin said. “We are a very broad and comprehensive program, and few people really get the full picture of who we are and what we do. This allows us in one night to showcase the rich reservoir of talent that God has brought to CBU.”

The show comprises over 20 ensembles featuring vocalists and instrumentalists.

Dr. Gene Peterson, director of choral and vocal studies and the artistic director for “A CBU Christmas,” said the show is a great celebration. He is looking forward to performing “The Promise” written by Michael W. Smith.

“It speaks of the great promise of the light of the world that has come to Earth,” Peterson said. “To me it is one of the most beautiful and picturesque pieces we will be doing in this performance.” 

Tori Hitchcock, a music sophomore and a vocalist in the University Choir and Orchestra, said Christmas time is about joy and sharing the joy of the gospel.

“I’m praying the Lord’s name will be glorified while getting to enjoy incredible music,” Hitchcock said.

Jeremy Warren, a music education junior, will play the violin in the show.

“The violinists get to set the texture and the tone of all the pieces,” Warren said. “The orchestra gets the big intro for almost every tune, and we get to set the vibe and the atmosphere for the entire arena, and it’s a really cool opportunity.”

“Gloria – A CBU Christmas”

When: 7 p.m. Dec. 3; 2:30 and 7 p.m. Dec. 4

Where: Events Center, California Baptist University, 8432 Magnolia Ave., Riverside, CA, 92504

For tickets or more information, please visit: https://performingarts.calbaptist.edu/cbuchristmas/