Sweet Songs of Christmas is not only the title of one of the Stella Maris Choir's current selections – it's also the title of the latest in its series of popular annual Christmas concerts at Good Shepherd Church.
This year's concert will take place this Sunday (Dec. 18) at 3 p.m. at the church, 2250 150 St.
"Our music this year is again carefully chosen to reflect our choir's message of peace and hope and goodwill towards all," the choir's musical director, Trudi Stammer, said.
"The sung program will be complimented with scriptural readings and a beautiful power-point presentation of Christmas pictures to enhance the meaning of the music and the lyrics."
Stammer describes the concert as a progression through the Christmas story, beginning with Natalie Sleeth's composition O Come O Come Immanuel – marking the fourth Sunday of Advent – and progressing to a setting of a section of the Magnificat, also known as the Song of Mary from the Gospel of Luke, by John Purifoy.
Modern pieces include local composer Corlynn Hanney's The Carol of the Stable Dog, featuring the choir's popular soloist Kyle Magis – also featured in the arrangement of O Holy Night, by the late Henri Lorieau, the choir's longtime accompanist; while the choir's popular upbeat gospel selections will also be represented by Go Tell It On The Mountain and Good News.
The church is located at and tickets ($10, $8 seniors and students and $25 family – parents and one or more children) are at the door.