‘Christmas Celebration’ concerts this weekend

The Concert Choir is one of several UIndy music ensembles performing Friday and Sunday in “A Christmas Celebration” at the Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center.

Traditional tunes and a few surprises are in store this weekend when the University of Indianapolis Department of Music stages its annual holiday production, “A Christmas Celebration.”

UIndy’s choral, instrumental and handbell ensembles will perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday and 4 p.m. Sunday in the elegant Ruth Lilly Performance Hall of the Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center. Admission is free for UIndy students, faculty and staff.

The Handbell Ensemble directed by faculty member Peter Nichols will provide 30 minutes of music in the lobby before the concert begins with a candlelight processional.

Highlights will include the 1912 “Fantasia on Christmas Carols” by English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams, with the UIndy Concert Choir and Chamber Orchestra conducted by Professor Paul Krasnovsky, Assistant Professor Austin Hartman on violin and bass-baritone vocals by faculty member Daniel Narducci. Next, the Chamber Orchestra will play Leroy Anderson’s classic “Sleigh Ride,” conducted by Assistant Professor Vu Nguyen.

UIndy’s Women’s Chorus and Schola chamber vocal ensemble also will perform, and the evening will close with a holiday sing-along.

Tickets are $10 for the general public and $6 for students and seniors, available at the door or in advance at (317) 788-3251 or uindy.edu/etc.