BLOOMINGTON – WTIU Public Television is collaborating with Indiana University’s Singing Hoosiers to bring a holiday tradition to south central Indiana viewers. Chimes of Christmas premieres Sunday, December 18 at 7 p.m. on WTIU.
The program will also be available to stream on Facebook Live and PBS Video. Recorded before a live audience at the Indiana University Auditorium, this concert film features a mix of well-known carols, contemporary hits, and classical choral arrangements presented by the Grammy-nominated Singing Hoosiers under the direction of Dr. Chris Albanese.
This year’s Chimes of Christmas production also includes a special performance of “The Ballad of the Brown King.” The piece is Margaret Bonds’ most performed work. It is set to the poetry of Langston Hughes and celebrates African participation in the nativity story through the figure of King Balthazar.
The work incorporates elements of jazz and Gospel, set within the context of a lushly orchestrated choral/orchestral score. Along with the Singing Hoosiers, the piece will feature IU’s African American Choral Ensemble and NOTUS (the IU Jacobs School of Music Contemporary Vocal Ensemble) with a solo vocal quartet and full orchestra.
Chimes of Christmas is made possible with support from Greene & Schultz Trial Lawyers, and IU Credit Union.
About WTIU Public Television
Founded in 1969, WTIU is a PBS member station owned and operated by Indiana University. The station serves more than 600,000 households in 29 counties in south-central Indiana. WTIU airs programming on five digital channels 24 hours a day, and its broadcast schedule combines the full national schedule of PBS programs with additional locally produced series and programs.
About the Indiana University Singing Hoosiers
The Singing Hoosiers are a regional favorite with more than 70 years of tradition in contemporary vocal performance. They have entertained audiences across the United States and in more than 25 countries spanning Asia, Australia, Europe, and the Caribbean. The ensemble has enjoyed collaborations with Duke Ellington, Bob Hope, Mel Tormé, Sandi Patty, Sylvia McNair, the Indianapolis Symphony, and the Cincinnati Pops under the direction of Erich Kunzel.
