King Center Christmas Cantata Saturday

A 20th Century Christmas choral classic will be presented on Dec. 13, conducted by Dr. Robert E. Lamb, music professor, choral activities director, and Performing and Visual Arts Dept. chair at Eastern Florida State College.

Lamb will conduct members of the Brevard Community Chorus in a 7:30 PM performance of Hodie (This Day), a Christmas cantata by Ralph Vaughan Williams at the King Center for the Performing Arts, 3865 N. Wickham  Road in Melbourne, 32935.

Accompanied by select players from the Brevard Symphony Orchestra, the 100-plus voice adult chorus will perform the 16-movement work along with ensemble members of the Brevard Youth Chorus.

Professional soloists include Jacqueline Blanc, soprano, Kyle Jones, tenor and Kyle Knappenberger, baritone.

The 90-minute concert will conclude with an audience sing-along of favorite Christmas carols.

"This is an outstanding modern piece," said Lamb. “Williams used text from the Vespers service for Christmas Day, the Biblical Gospels, Martin Luther, John Milton -- and even his own wife, in composing this work. The choruses, soloists and instrumental musicians all have roles to play in the unfolding musical retelling of Christ's birth. I can guarantee, it will be a very full stage."

General admission tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and active military and $5 for children or college students with valid student identification.

Visit the King Center box office in person or online or call 321-242-2219.