Musical Tradition Making a Merry Return

The University of Texas at Dallas’ long-standing holiday celebration featuring the UT Dallas Chamber Singers and Wind Ensemble is set for its 33rd anniversary performance at 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, in the University Theatre.

The Holiday Sing concert is directed by Associate Dean for the Arts Kathryn Evans, and the performance is offered as part of the University’s 40-year celebration as a member of The University of Texas System. Admission is free.

This year’s theme, “The Christmas Stories,” will feature readings of well-known holiday stories and selections from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, a musical version of The Night Before Christmas and “A Musicological Journey Through the Twelve Days of Christmas.” The audience will be invited to sing along with children’s songs such as “Jingle Bells” and “Away in a Manger” and such traditional carols as “The First Noel,” “Joy to the World,” “Silent Night” and the “Hallelujah Chorus.” In addition, there will be a visit by Santa and a reception after the concert sponsored by the Office of Development and Alumni Relations.

The Holiday Sing began at UT Dallas in 1976 with an invitation to the University’s neighbors to visit the campus for a special event. Since then, the concert has become a favorite tradition for residents of the Dallas, Richardson and Plano areas. Due to the popularity of this free event, it is recommended that audience members arrive early. The UT Dallas Wind Ensemble, directed by Winston Stone, will present pre-show holiday favorites.

Due to construction, visitors are asked to enter campus via University Parkway and veer on to Armstrong Drive to access parking lots A through D. For more information about campus construction, visit utdallas.edu/pardonourprogress.

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