Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall Hosts the Holiday Concert
Written By: Tamara Philips
Photographed By: Andre Niesing Vanguard University Christmas Fantasia
Vanguard University celebrated its 20th anniversary of its Christmas Fantasia concert series this month at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall and St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church.
Almost 200 student musicians and singers performed a myriad of Christmas songs under the direction of Dr. James Melton, Dr. Joni Prado, Dr. Kenneth Foerch, Mildred Yi, and Michael Nigro.
With the anniversary performance, several individuals were honored with the Friend of Fantasia Award to recognize their ongoing support of Christmas Fantasia from its inception. First Ed and Dixie Arnold, who you can catch supporting various Vanguard events including basketball games, were recognized. And then Barry and Karen Meguiar were honored as honorary donors. The barbershop quartet even serenaded Karen Meguiar with a lovely tune. Support for Christmas Fantasia comes largely from prominent Orange County businesses, including this year’s 20th anniversary Presenting Sponsor, Farmer’s & Merchant’s Bank.
Two students were also recognized in front of the crowd. Worship Studies majors Monet Shelton and Yokabet Paulos were awarded with the Ralph Carmichael Scholarship. The $1, 000 tuition scholarship is awarded each year by an anonymous donor, in honor of the legendary Vanguard alum, and composer and arranger for Nat King Cole.
While all the student performances were stellar, a standout was The Prayer duet. The two student singers left the audience in awe and emotional with their vocal range. And the Christmas concert wouldn’t have been complete without the combined choirs and orchestras performing We Wish You a Merry Christmas at the close of the evening—and yes, everyone in the audience was holding hands and swaying back and forth as they sang along. Vanguard University Christmas Fantasia
While a large portion of the student musicians and singers are Worship Studies or Music majors, many non-majors are just as dedicated. Dr. Melton Director of Choral Activities, welcomes anyone who is passionate about music. “Music has the ability to make us better, ” Vanguard University President Michael Beals said at the VIP Reception at The Center Club. “And Dr. Melton is the backbone of the Fantasia program.”
This is a wholesome Christmas concert that will please every member of the family. Vanguard University looks forward to keeping this an Orange County tradition for years to come. For more information on Christmas Fantasia, visit www.vanguard.edu/fantasia.
Vanguard University
55 Fair Dr. Vanguard University Christmas Fantasia
Costa Mesa, CA 92626 Vanguard University Christmas Fantasia
714.556.3610 Vanguard University Christmas Fantasia
20th Anniversary of Christmas Fantasia
Tamara is SoCal born and bred with Dutch roots. With an English degree from Vanguard University, she is thrilled to be part of the LOCALE editorial team. She enjoys reading, eating green bell peppers, petting other people's dogs, and cooking/baking while singing into a kitchen spoon to Broadway show tunes.
