Bringing a welcome relief from the nearly constant hype of “Black Friday” deals, The Prescott Chorale returns to the stage of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 2000 Shepherd’s Ln., Prescott, with a pair of concerts presenting a most inspiring selection of new and traditional holiday music. The first program begins at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 17, and the second, with different music, begins at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18. Maestro Dennis Houser invites both audiences to come early at 7 and 2 p.m. respectively to join the chorus in a joyful sing-along featuring your favorite carols.

The programs open with Gaudete, (in English, “Rejoice”) a familiar sacred carol from the sixteenth century, sung by the Chorale in the original Latin. The joy continues with the performance of Z. Randall Stroope’s adaptation of another sixteenth-century lyric, This Endris Night, wherein the melodic line mirrors the narrative of the manger scene. At the same time, the simple refrain depicts Mary rocking baby Jesus to sleep. The remainder of the program is filled with such traditional favorites as I Wonder As I Wander and Silent Night with soloists William Vallindigham and Coril Prochnow, Biebl’s version of Ave Maria, and concluding with the famous Halleluja by Handel.

The Saturday afternoon concert repeats many of the same selections but lightens the mood with a highlighted performance by the Prescott Chorale’s Children’s Choir, directed by Melanie McCally. The Twelve Days of Christmas, Jingle Bells, and Santa Claus Is Coming To Town round out the afternoon of music. Also, by special arrangement with the North Pole Office, the jolly couple, Santa and Mrs. Claus will pay a visit to brighten the day for the kids in the audience.

For tickets and more information, visit www.prescottchorale.com/concerts. Admission is $25 for adults, $5 for students and children under 12 are free. All seats are general admission.

Information provided by Prescott Chorale.