The University of Windsor School of Music will continue with a 36-year-old Christmas tradition Sunday, December 2, when the Chamber Choir and the University Singers will present A Festival of Christmas at Assumption Church.

The students have been preparing for the choral celebration since September. It will start at 3 p.m. and will be conducted by Bradley Bloom and Richard Householder.

“What we’re doing this year is something new,” said Householder, professor emeritus of music. “For the first time we’re going to have both choirs on stage the whole time and they’ll be singing just a few numbers back and forth.”

In past years, the concert was divided. One choir performed for the first half of the concert, and after intermission the second choir sang.

This year’s program will vary from familiar favourites to Gaelic songs the audience has not heard before. There will also be a carol sing-along.

“There are student soloists and there are two faculty members who will be soloists as well,” said Householder.

The choirs will be accompanied by a guest performance by the Brass Quartet, some members of which belong to the Windsor Symphony.

Tickets can be purchased at the door, in advance online at www.uwindsor.ca/music or by telephone at 519-253-3000 ext. 4212. The cost is $10 for adults and seniors, and $5 for students. Assumption Church is located at 350 Huron Church Road at University Avenue.

— by Kristen DiMenna