UMass Choirs to Present Annual ‘Holiday Card to Amherst’

On Sunday, Dec. 5 at 6 p.m., the UMass Amherst department of music and dance will present its annual “Holiday Card to Amherst” concert by the UMass Chamber Choir, University Chorale and Recital Choir. Led by choral conductors Tony Thornton and Stephen A. Paparo, the combined choirs will present a diverse program of works from the classical repertoire along with popular and traditional holiday carols. The concert will take place in the newly-christened Frederick C. Tillis Performance Hall; all attendees must be masked and follow the safety protocols listed below.

Featured works on the program will include Coreen Duffy's “Oseh Shalom (Maker of Peace,” arrangements by John Rutter (“O Tannenbaum”), Michele Weir (“A Holiday Jazz Trio”), Alice Parker and Robert Shaw (“Ya viene la vieja”) and James McKelvy (“Deck the Halls” - in 7/8 time!), plus the annual audience sing-along. Concert-goers are also encouraged to wear their most outlandish winter attire to take part in the “Outrageous Holiday Sweater” contest, with the winner to be crowned by the audience.

Ticket prices are $10 for the general public, $5 for students, seniors and UMass Amherst employees, and free for UMass students. Tickets may be purchased at the Fine Arts Center Box Office, by phone at 413-545-2511, or online at www.fineartscenter.com/musicanddance. Free and secure parking is available in nearby University lot 71 off Massachusetts Avenue and lot 62 via Thatcher Way or Stockbridge Road.  Visit the Fine Arts Center website for more information or refer to the UMass interactive parking map.

Important COVID-19 information: In accordance with current guidance from the university regarding events in the Fine Arts Center, all attendees must wear a face mask; those ages 12+ must also be prepared to present either (1) proof of full vaccination for COVID-19 (the original CDC vaccination record card, a copy of the card, or mobile photograph of the card) plus a matching photo ID bearing the same name; OR (2) proof of a negative COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen) with collection date and time stamp within 72 hours of the event. For UMass faculty, students, and staff, a valid UCard is sufficient to verify full vaccination.