Annual Christmas Concert Dec. 4 at Woodlands Academy

You're invited to enjoy an evening of holiday music and then join in as the Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart Music Department presents its annual Christmas Concert on Thursday, Dec. 4, at 7 p.m. The concert, which is open to the public free of charge, will take place in the Chapel of the Sacred Heart at the school, 760 E. Westleigh Road, Lake Forest.

All of the choral students will begin the program with their traditional Candlelight Procession, followed by performances from each of the choirs. Highlights include: a jazzy version of "Jingle Bells" by JV-Kaleidoscope (A Choir'd Taste), "Grown up Christmas Wish" and "Jing-a-Ling" - made popular by the Andrew Sisters -performed by Kaleidoscope (select ensemble) and "Walkin in a Winter Wonderland" by Microscope (student-directed accapella choir under the leadership of senior Chloe Tomkins of Lake Forest). These award-winning choral groups are under the direction of Elizabeth Kurowski.

Also featured will be the award-winning Woodlands Academy Symphonic Orchestra under the direction of Lauren Moldenhauer performing selections from Handel's "Messiah" arranged by Moldenhauer. Included is a combined orchestra and choir rendition of the "Hallelujah Chorus" at the end of the concert for a truly riveting finale featuring the always-popular audience participation. The orchestra also will be playing several non-classical works including the adaptation of "Christmas Eve /Sarajevo 12/24" by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra featuring guitar, electric bass and drum set.

In addition, four of the school's students from China - Shi Yu Wang, Yuwei Han, Zijun Jiang and Qiu Ran Dong - are featured as choral accompanists.

Refreshments will be served following the concert. For more information, visit www.woodlandsacademy.org.

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Founded in 1858, Woodlands Academy is an independent Catholic college preparatory day and boarding high school for young women, and part of a worldwide network of Sacred Heart Schools that spans 19 cities in the United States and 44 countries around the world. A nonprofit, Woodlands Academy's identity is rooted in Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat's desire to inspire young hearts and minds to excel, to lead lives of integrity and to serve. For more information about Woodlands Academy, please visit www.woodlandsacademy.org