Daily Press file photo The Bay de Noc Choral Society will be hosting its annual holiday concert Sunday, December 5 at 1:30 p.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church in Escanaba. The concert theme is “A Lot of Thanksgiving and a Little Bit of Christmas.” There is no admission charge, but a free will offering will be taken. For seating, social distancing can be arranged.

ESCANABA — After having missed a number of concerts due to COVID-19, Sunday, December 5, at 1:30 p.m., the Bay de Noc Choral Society is presenting its annual holiday concert at Bethany Lutheran Church in Escanaba. The theme for the concert is “A Lot of Thanksgiving and a Little Bit of Christmas.”

“The focus of music is a combination of Christmas selections along with Thanksgiving praise and thank you music for all of God’s blessings through the long COVID season of shutdowns, restrictions and delays. We are choosing to share great music to be thankful for where we are and what we have come through, and we want all to come join us in celebration,” organizers said.

Christmas music selections include Hark the Herald Angels Sing, Silent Night, Joy to the World, Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming, Oh, Come, Emmanuel, Away in a Manger and more.

Our major piece is Joseph Haydn’s “Te Deum (praise to God), a Latin mass, hailed as one of the composer’s “sublimest creations” and a 12 minute celebration featuring the Chorale and John Ignatowski on the organ. The concert will also be featuring the usual hand bells, a soprano solo and strings. Ann Wood is the chorus’ director.

The concert will close with Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus.” There is no admission charge; a free will offering will be taken at intermission. Attendees are urged to arrive early as a large crowd is anticipated and masks are encouraged as an option. There is plenty of room for social distancing seating if desired.