West Chester University’s (WCU) Annual Holiday Concert has become a beloved winter tradition.

Campus and community members are invited to jump-start the season and join in this joyous celebration on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 3:00 PM in the 1200-seat Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall, Philips Memorial Building (700 S. High Street, West Chester). Professor and Associate Director of Choirs Ryan Kelly will direct the concert. All tickets are $14, and purchasing in advance here is highly recommended.

Kelly stated, “This time-honored tradition has become a campus and community favorite, perhaps because it is one of only two events each year that features a large majority of our Wells School of Music students on stage and performing together. This year’s concert includes more songs with our combined choirs alongside the WCU Symphony Orchestra for an incredible 90-minute stand-out musical experience.”

About 200 Wells School of Music students perform in the concert that includes all of the choirs of the WSOM (Orpheus Singers, Allegro Voices, Oriana Chorale, Concert Choir, Mastersingers), the WCU Symphony Orchestra, and the Criterions Jazz Ensemble. Festive song selections include “Deck the Halls,” “Angels We Have Heard on High,” “Dona Nobis Pacem,” and “Silent Night.” 

The Holiday Concert is also one of the few events where audiences can hear the hall’s renowned Skinner organ, which will be used to play holiday carols before the concert’s start. Greenery, lights, and poinsettias will adorn the stage.

A faculty panel chooses a soloist each year to perform “O Holy Night.” This year’s soloist is Senior Vocal Performance major Joseph Galdi.

Limited parking is available across and along the street just outside the Philips Memorial Building. Parking is also available in West Chester’s M Lot, just a short walk away, and the Sharpless Street Garage. Purchasing tickets in advance is strongly encouraged. 

Learn more at WCU.