Concentus will perform a benefit Christmas concert on Thursday, Dec. 17, at 7:30 p.m. in Yoder Recital Hall.

This choir, formed in the fall of 2003, will perform John Rutter's "Gloria" and numerous Christmas carols. Joining Concentus this year will be a brass and percussion ensemble, performing with the choir on the Rutter piece.

A free-will offering will be taken. Half of the offering will go to support the recent earthquake and flood victims in southern Asia. The other half will cover the program expenses.

Concentus was formed to offer an opportunity for area musicians to sing in a highly skilled chamber ensemble. The name, Concentus, is a Latin word meaning, "singing together", "harmony", and "unity".

There are 29 singers in the choir who come from Bluffton, Findlay, Lima, and Pandora. Dr. Mark J. Suderman is the conductor and Allison Ringold is the accompanist. Both are employed in the music department at Bluffton University.