Bluffton University's music department will present its annual Christmas Choral Festival at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13, in Yoder Recital Hall. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for senior citizens/students. They can be purchased by contacting the university box office at [email protected] or 419-358-3239.

Both programs will include performances from three choirs, as well as pre-concert music by the Saxophone Quartet in the lobby of Yoder Recital Hall. Bel Canto and Camerata Singers will be directed by Dr. Mark J. Suderman, professor of music and director of choral activities. Accent! will perform under the direction of David Sawatzky, assistant professor of music. Anna Stembler-Smith and Allison Ringold are the accompanists for the choirs. The Saxophone Quartet is coached by Dr. Adam Schattschneider.

The choral numbers, along with scripture readings, will offer a glimpse into the Christmas story. The audience will have the opportunity to join in singing Christmas carols during the program.

Bel Canto

Bel Canto, the women's chorus, will perform "On This Day Earth Shall Ring" as a processional to begin the program. They will also perform four more pieces including "Nativity Carol," "Christmas Hymn" and "This Little Babe." "Angels Divine" will feature junior soloist Laurel Baker. The male choir, Accent!, will perform a variety of numbers, including "Christmas Night," "Sing Noel!," "What Child is This," with soloists first-year student Jared Hudson and junior Brian Timpe, and "The Glory Manger" featuring soloists, sophomore, Tim Yoder.

Camerata Singers

Included in the Camerata Singers performance is "Gloria in Excelsis Deo" by J. C. Bach, "Gaudete" arranged by Brian Kay, "Carol of the Drum" by Katherine K. Davis and "Sing, Angels, Kings and Folk" by Ben Allaway. Soloists on the Bach piece will be first-year student Ally Christner and seniors Alycia Althaus and Judah Weinhardt. The choirs will then combine to sing "Ding Dong! Merrily on High" arranged by Howard Cable.