Lee musicians celebrate ‘A Classic Christmas’

Lee University’s School of Music will present its 29th annual “A Classic Christmas” on Sunday, Dec. 2, at 3 p.m. The performance will take place in Conn Center, 150 11th St. in Cleveland, Tennessee.

“‘A Classic Christmas’ will be an enjoyable afternoon for the community to begin the Christmas season,” said Dr. Joshua Cheney, assistant professor of choral music. “There will be renditions of some old holiday favorites like ‘Carol of the Bells,’ ‘ Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,’ ‘ White Christmas’ and ‘ It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.’”

This year’s program will include a variety of sacred and secular music from American composers ranging from classical works by Dan Forrest to African-American spirituals by Moses Hogan.

Concertgoers can also expect a variety of familiar carols, such as “Angels We Have Heard on High,” “The First Noel,” “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” “O Come, All Ye Faithful” and “Silent Night.”

The concert will feature Lee ensembles Choral Union, directed by Cheney; Chorale, directed by Dr. William Green; Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Robert Bernhardt; and Handbell Choir, conducted by Laud Vaught.

The Chattanooga Girls Choir, directed by Joshua Golden, will be special guests. The Chattanooga Girls Choir is composed of nearly 150 girls from grades 1-12, representing approximately 60 public and private schools.

Tickets for “A Classic Christmas” have sold out, but interested parties may call the Dixon Center Box Office at 423- 614- 8343 to be placed on a waiting list. The performance will also be available for livestream viewing at l ivestream. com/ leeu.

LEE UNIVERSITY CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Left: Lee University singers, symphonic musicians and handbell ringers are partnering to present “A Classic Christmas” on Sunday afternoon, Dec. 2.