Emmy-Winning Actor Courtney B. Vance to Narrate Christmas Concert

The Christmas Truce of 1914, in which opposing soldiers during World War I put down their weapons for a few moments of peace, will be celebrated as part of a La Canada Presbyterian Church concert, “A Silent Night, Holy Night,” on Sunday, Dec. 18, at 2 p.m.

Emmy-winning actor Courtney B. Vance, a local resident, will serve as guest actor and narrator for the presentation, which will be accompanied by the LCPC orchestra and choir, including some singers attired in World War I uniforms.

In December 1914, five months after World War I began in Europe, French and British soldiers met spontaneously with their German counterparts at various points along the Western Front, in some cases even singing Christmas carols together. It was a rare instance of civility in the bloodiest conflict in modern warfare history.

Vance, who also narrated “What Shall We Give Him?,” LCPC’s Christmas concert last year, received a Primetime Emmy Award for his portrayal of Johnnie Cochran in the FX series “The People v. O.J. Simpson,” and is also renowned for his work in feature films, including “The Hunt for Red October.” He will appear in the comedy “Office Christmas Party,” which opens Dec. 9.

“A Silent Night, Holy Night” will be presented free. It will include a cast of more than 120 singers and instrumentalists directed by Jack Lantz, LCPC’s director of music and worship arts. It will be a multimedia program that tells the Christmas story in song and word, and is suitable for all ages.

La Canada Presbyterian Church is located at 626 Foothill Blvd. For further information, call the church office at (818) 790-6708 or visit lacanadapc.org.