Chimes of Christmas Program PDF
 

The holiday tradition continues with the jolliest family-friendly event of the season, Chimes of Christmas. The Grammy-nominated Singing Hoosiers return to the IU Auditorium stage for their annual concert, presenting a mix of well-known carols, contemporary hits, and classical choral arrangements. The performances will also feature special guests from various IU ensembles.

This year's production will feature a special performance of “The Ballad of the Brown King.”  The piece is Margaret Bonds’ most performed work. It is set to the poetry of Langston Hughes and celebrates African participation in the nativity story through the figure of King Balthazar. Bonds and Hughes were family friends, and they share a midwestern connection (Bonds raised in Chicago and educated at Northwestern and Hughes born in Missouri and raised in Ohio). The work incorporates elements of jazz and Gospel, set within the context of a lushly orchestrated choral/orchestral score. Along with the Singing Hoosiers, the piece will feature IU's African American Choral Ensemble and NOTUS (the Jacobs School of Music Contemporary Vocal Ensemble) with a solo vocal quartet and full orchestra. 

Directed by Dr. Chris Albanese, the Singing Hoosiers are a Bloomington favorite with over 70 years of tradition in contemporary vocal performance. They have entertained audiences across the United States and in more than 25 countries spanning Asia, Australia, Europe, and the Caribbean. The ensemble has enjoyed collaborations with Duke Ellington, Bob Hope, Mel Tormé, Sandi Patty, Sylvia McNair, the Indianapolis Symphony, and the Cincinnati Pops under the direction of Erich Kunzel.

Don’t miss out on what has become one of Bloomington’s longest-running traditions as the Singing Hoosiers and their guests come together to make your holidays merry and bright!