The Arpad Darazs Singers celebrate holidays with concert series Dec. 10-17

"Christmas Welcome!" is the theme of the Arpad Darazs Singers' 2006 holiday concert series.

The theme was taken from a selection by John Ness Beck, and the program will feature a selection of sacred and secular music, including arrangements of traditional Christmas choral works such as "Go Tell It On The Mountain," "Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town," and a medley of "Jingle, Jingle, Jingle Bells." J.S. Bach's "Hear the Joyful News" and Gustav Holsts' "Christmas Day" also will be performed, along with a few surprises.

The Arpad Darazs Singers was formed in 1987 in memory of Arpad A. Darazs, founder of the USC Concert Choir. The Arpad Darazs Singers is a unique choral ensemble in the Midlands made up of musicians who create a blend of mixed voices and perform a varied repertoire of sacred and secular classical and contemporary works both accompanied and a capella. Concerts often include music by Hungarian composers to honor Darazs's homeland.

The choir represents every walk of life: students, business professionals, homemakers, and retirees. Although coming from various backgrounds, the members share a common love of music and the desire to share it with audiences. This year's holiday concert schedule is:

• 4 p.m. Dec. 10, First Presbyterian Church, Orangeburg
• 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12, Union United Methodist Church, 7582 Woodrow St., Irmo
• 3 p.m. Dec. 17, St. Peter's Catholic Church, 1529 Assembly St., Columbia.

All concerts are free and open to the public.

For more information, call 926-7306 or go to www.ADSingers.org.

12/06