IF YOU GOWhat: "A Classic Christmas."When: 3 p.m. Sunday.Where: Conn Center, Lee University, Cleveland, Tenn.Admission: Free but tickets are required due to limited seating.Phone: 423-614-8343 (for will-call tickets), 423-614-8240 (information).
Carols and a cantata will comprise the program when the Lee University School of Music presents "A Classic Christmas" Sunday. The seasonal celebration starts at 3 p.m. in Conn Center on the Cleveland, Tenn., campus.
The first half of the program will feature Ralph Vaughan Williams' "Hodie," a Christmas cantata that celebrates the birth of Christ. This work will be performed by the Lee University Choral Union and Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Dr. Cameron F. LaBarr. The orchestra will be prepared by Robert Bernhardt, conductor of the Lee Symphony Orchestra.
The Chattanooga Girls Choir, directed by LuAnn Holden, will be highlighted in the cantata, as well as perform two Christmas works -- "One December, Bright and Clear" and "Angel's Carol" -- in the second half of the program.
Several ensembles performing familiar carols and Christmas works will be featured in the second half of the program.
The Lee University Symphonic Band will perform a medley of carols under the direction of Dr. Mark Bailey. Dr. Bill Green, dean of the School of Music, will conduct the Lee University Chorale in "Betelehemu" and "There Is Faint Music."
The program will conclude with the Choral Union and Symphony Orchestra performing settings of carols such as "Joy to the World," "The First Noel" and "O Come All Ye Faithful." The audience will have a chance to sing along on "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing," "Silent Night" and other carols.
"A Classic Christmas" will be streamed live at www.leeuniversity.edu/ video/live-video-100k.aspx.
Admission to "A Classic Christmas" is free, but tickets are required due to limited seating. Tickets may be obtained 3-6 p.m. today and Saturday at the Dixon Center box office, 1053 Church St., NE. Any remaining tickets will be available in the lobby of Conn Center, 150 11th St., at 2 p.m. Sunday.