The Vermont Choral Union, directed by Jeff Rehbach, presents its inspirational annual holiday concerts Dec. 6 and 7. Our 34-voice choir a cappella ensemble includes six talented Essex residents.

The program this year includes intricate 13th-century songs; radiant Renaissance motets by Josquin, Tallis and Gabrieli; delightful 17th-century Mexican villancicos; resonant selections in the Romantic style by Bruch, Grieg, Chesnokov, and Biebl; Poulenc's exquisite Motets pour let temps de Noël; and carols sung a century ago in the early months of World War I by British and German troops during a Christmas Eve truce. We will also premier 'Joyful Bells', a sparkling new work composed specifically for us by Vermont's Michael Close. ' Joyful Bells' combines the power and expressive range of the full chorus with the unique timbres of hand bells and the solo cello.

We hope that you can join us in St. Albans on Saturday evening, Dec. 6, 7:00 p.m., at the First Congregational Church, 27 Church St.;( tickets $15/$10 seniors & students/$40 family at the door or at eventbrite.com on the web) OR on Sunday afternoon, Dec. 7, 3:00 p.m., at St. Paul's Cathedral, 2 Cherry St., in downtown Burlington;( $17/$12/$40, in advance at flynntix.org and the Flynn Box Office, or at the door.) For more information, check on the web at www.vtchoralunion.org