From the White House to the embassies, churches and concert halls, the sounds of music by Seventh-day Adventist collegians are being heard throughout the greater Washington, D.C., area.

On Sunday, December 17, the Columbia Collegiate Chorale and Orchestra, a choral group from a Seventh-day Adventist college in Takoma Park, Maryland, performed before a packed-in audience in the National Gallery of Art. The chorale presented a Christmas repertoire.  It marked the second time that the chorale had been invited to perform in this well-known Washington cultural venue.

According to Australian-born conductor, Dr. James T. Bingham, the concert was “exceptional.”  Bingham said that the quality of the young performers of the 30-voice choir and 20-piece orchestra, the setting of the Gallery, the Christmas decor and ambiance and excellent acoustics of the venue, made it a unique event.

Stephen Ackert, music program specialist of the Gallery, said it was “truly a delightful world class concert.”

The concert was attended by members of the cultural and political establishment of the United States capital city, including Anthony Williams, Mayor of Washington, D.C.

The National Gallery of Art has been holding concerts since 1942. The Columbia Collegiate Chorale is a well-known choir internationally. National Public Radio plans to include the Chorale’s performance in its music Holiday Special on Christmas Day, December 25.