Annual Christmas Concert Dec. 3 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. 3, 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 all-girls college preparatory high 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 Spiritual called "Tell Me, Tell Me" performed by JV-Kaleidoscope (AChoir'd Taste); a jazzy version of "Jingle Bells" and "Ding, Dong Merrily on High" performed by Kaleidoscope (select ensemble); and "The Boar's Head Carol" and a choral arrangement of the "Sugar Plum Fairy" from the Nutcracker performed by Microscope (student-directed accapella choir under the leadership of senior Marissa Howe of Hoffman Estates). 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 the "St Paul Suite" by Gustav Holst, and Mozart's Symphony No. 25 in G minor. 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.

In addition, two of the school's students from China - Qiu Ran Dong and Shiyu Wang - are featured as choral accompanists.

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

Founded in 1858, Woodlands Academy is an independent Catholic college preparatory day and boarding high school for young women. It's part of a worldwide network of Sacred Heart Schools that spans the United States and 40 other countries. 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