A popular tradition: ESO's Holiday Spectacular Concerts are almost sold out

The Elgin Master Chorale and Integrity School of Dance will join the Elgin Symphony Orchestra to present the ESO's Holiday Spectacular performances this week.

Performances will take place at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake; and at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin.

Tickets are sold out for the Hemmens performances, but are still available for the show at the Raue Center, priced from $37.10 to $60. Visit www.rauecenter.org for ticket information. The Raue performance will not include the Integrity School of Dance.

This family-friendly program, led by conductor Timothy Semanik, will include rousing renditions of popular holiday carols and traditional hymns that will tempt the audience to sing along.

Elgin Master Chorale is composed of approximately 85 adult singers - admitted by audition only - who share a passion for choral masterworks and other fine choral repertoire.

A special guest from the North Pole may ask children in the audience if they have been naughty or nice and encourage everyone to share the holiday spirit as we enter this joyous season.

Founded in 1950 as Elgin's community orchestra and becoming a fully professional ensemble in 1985, the ESO is committed to providing affordable, award-winning symphonic live performances. For information, visit www.ElginSymphony.org, Follow the Elgin Symphony Orchestra on Facebook and Instagram at @ElginSymphony.