Bellevue Chamber Chorus to present A Child is Born

The Bellevue Chamber Chorus will present A Child Is Born on Dec. 5-6. Under the direction of Dr. Fredrick Lokken, the program explores the theme via several renditions of the ancient text Puer natus in Bethlehem (A child is born in Bethlehem): as timeless, resonant Gregorian chant, then in a lively version by Renaissance master Michael Praetorius, and finally in an arrangement for chorus and organ by contemporary American composer Leo Nestor.

The Chorus also will offer more sounds from the Renaissance with di Lasso’s Angelus ad pastores ait [The angel said to shepherds] and Costeley’s Allons, gay Bergères [Come, joyful shepherds]), plus contemporary works by William Hawley (O magnum mysterium), Brent Pierce (How Still He Rests), John Tavener (The Lamb), and Craig Courtney (Herself a Rose).

There also will be traditional carols in arrangements by American conductors Gregg Smith (A Long, Long Time Ago), Dale Warland (Coventry Carol and Wexford Carol), and Mack Wilberg (Fum, Fum, Fum!).

Performances are Saturday, Dec. 5 at 7:30 p.m. at Bothell United Methodist Church, 18515 92nd Ave. NE, Bothell; and Sunday, Dec. 6 at 3 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 752 108th Ave., NE, Bellevue.

Ticket prices are $18 for adults, $14 for students and seniors, and $9 for children 12 and under. Group sales are also available. To order tickets, or for more information, call 425-881-0445; or go to the Chorus website at www.BellevueChamberChorus.net. Tickets also available through Brown Paper Tickets at 800-838-3006, or online at www.BrownPaperTickets.com.