Elgin Choral Union greets holidays in song

On Dec. 15, the 125-voice Elgin Choral Union will present the 2007 edition of its annual Christmas concert at 7 p.m. in Elgin Community College's Blizzard Theatre, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. The concert is designed and priced especially this season to appeal to families of all ages.

Maestro Andrew Lewis will lead the audience on a musical journey through time featuring works from the Renaissance through the Baroque eras to the contemporary age, including the Fox Valley favorite "This Christmastide." This work was written and premiered locally in 1988 by English composer Donald Fraser, who was living in Geneva temporarily.

Favorite traditional carols will not be forgotten; three are contained in a medley for chorus by composer Jerry Brubaker, and three others set for an audience sing-along. There will also be a selection from choral music's latest "wunderkind" Eric Whitacre, the haunting "Lux Aurumque."

Accompanying the Choral Union will be brass players from the award-winning Elgin Symphony Orchestra, and ECU's own accompanist, Jon Warfel, on organ and piano.

Tickets are $23 for adults, $18 for seniors, $15 for students, and $5 for children under 10 if accompanied by a paying adult. Group rates are also available. Tickets may be purchased by phone or in person from the ECC box office in the Visual and Performing Arts Center or call (847) 622-0300.