In a celebration that is perfect for the Christmas season, the Iowa State University Department is presenting the 41st annual Holiday Festival of Music on Sunday, Dec. 8 at 3 p.m. at Stephens Auditorium.

“It is definitely an inter-generational program,” Kirk Smith, director of the ISU Symphony Orchestra, said.

The program will begin with the 39-voice Ames Children’s Choir, conducted by its founder and director Sylvia Munsen, as well as the ISU Vocal Jazz ensemble, directed by Ray Salucka.

These groups will share the stage with the ISU Men’s Glee Club, directed by John Kelly. This part of the program is very diverse, ranging from fresh settings of traditional holiday carols and seasonal songs to beautiful jazz arrangements.

The second part of the Holiday Festival will feature the ISU Symphony Orchestra. The orchestra will perform J.S. Bach’s “Brandenburg Concerto No. 2.”

“It’s a baroque composition of Bach’s written in 1717,” Smith said. Bach’s piece will feature several ISU music faculty soloists including James Bovinette, trumpet; Elizabeth Sadilek, flute; Kevin Schilling, oboe; and Lynn Zeigler, harpsichord.

The violin soloist will be Heidi Troyer, a senior fashion design major from Cedar Rapids.

Concluding the program will be the University Chorus with “Gloria” written by Ariel Ramirez and “Hallelujah” from Handel’s Messiah.

“This piece is in a gospel setting, which should be exciting,” Smith said. “Hallelujah” is being arranged by Mervyn Warren, Michael O. Jackson and Mark Kibble.

Smith said the program is very festive in nature. “In the past 10 years we have added more of a popular feel to the program,” he said. “This festival is a place where students and families can experience a variety of different genres.”

Tickets are $6 for adults; $5 for Senior Citizens, ISU Students and those 18 and under and $4 for groups of 10 or more.

Tickets are available at the Iowa State Center Box Office or Ticketmaster locations. Call 233-1888 to charge by phone.