Smoky Valley Trebles to Perform Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols at Bethany College
November 21, 2025 - LINDSBORG, KS — The Smoky Valley Trebles, a community choirbased in Lindsborg, will present Benjamin Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols at 4:00 p.m. onSunday, December 7, 2025, in Pearson Chapel on the campus of Bethany College. The performance is free and open to the public; a freewill donation will support the Dala Food Pantry and Laundry Love, with a reception to follow.
Britten’s beloved 1942 choral work scored for three-part treble chorus, soloists, and harp unfolds over twelve brief movements and is typically performed in about 25 minutes. A harp solo, call-and-response sections, and repeated processional and recessional movements make the piece both accessible and artistically rich for a project-based ensemble. “We love bringing this work to life because it truly shimmers—both musically and in spirit,” said director Russ Ware, a designer, communications strategist, and musician based in Lindsborg. “The acoustics in Pearson Chapel are spectacular for treble voices, allowing every line of Britten’s writing to glow. It’s the perfect place for this choir and this music.”
Bethany College is providing rehearsal and performance space for this year’s project, continuing the College’s long tradition of supporting community arts. Several Bethany faculty, staff, alumni, and community members—including Professors Leslie Mangrum and Megan Case, staff members Sabrina Wollenberg ‘18 and Natalie Nelson, and President Laura Crawley—are part of the ensemble. The Rev. Dr. Mandy Todd ‘05, a Bethany College alumna and pastor at Messiah Lutheran Church in Lindsborg, also participates in the Smoky Valley Trebles. The performance will feature additional seasonal selections including a piece accompanied on the Pearson Chapel organ by Bethany College alum Tyler Breneman ‘16. Bethany alum Kayley Fleming ’05 has served as the rehearsal pianist, and Jane Hyde will perform as harpist for the concert.
Rev. Melissa Woeppel ‘15, Bethany College Campus Pastor and Trebles member, notes how meaningful the collaboration is for the Smoky Valley. “When I was a student at Bethany, singing in ensembles shaped some of my most cherished experiences,” Woeppel said. “Now, in my role as Campus Pastor, it’s a joy to help bring college and community together through music once again. This performance is a beautiful expression of who we are in Lindsborg.”
All are welcome to attend this festive afternoon of music and community spirit. Numerous local community businesses, organizations, and individuals are funding this project, and a full list of sponsors can be found on the Smoky Valley Trebles Webpage. For more details, visit: https://www.middleamericacreative.com/trebles.
About Bethany College
Bethany College (bethanylb.edu) is a higher educational institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas. Bethany College was established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881. For more than 140 years, Bethany College has been dedicated to educating, developing, and challenging individuals to pursue truth and excellence while leading lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany College, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who support them as they discover, explore, and navigate their purpose. Bethany College is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Media Contact:
Christie Denniston, APR
Vice President of Advancement & Alumni
Bethany College
dennistoncl@bethanylb.edu
(785) 227-338
