Series of seasonal programs at Rockefeller Chapel to begin Dec. 4

A series of four holiday programs at Rockefeller Memorial Chapel will begin with "A Service of Advent Lessons and Carols" at 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4.

The traditional holiday service will include a choral program of Renaissance and Russian Orthodox music performed by the University of Chicago Chorus under the direction of Edward Funk, as well as hymns and carols sung by the congregation and readings from the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament. The service is free and open to the public. A goodwill offering will be collected.

The series will continue on Sunday, Dec. 11, with the chapel's annual presentation of Handel's "Messiah" at 2 and 8 p.m. Bruce Tammen will conduct the Rockefeller Memorial Chapel Choir, the University of Chicago Motet Choir and Symphony of the Shores. Tickets are $12 and are available in advance by calling 753-1191. Tickets are also being sold in Reynolds Club between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays, beginning today, Nov. 28, through Friday, Dec. 9. Visa and Mastercard are accepted.

At 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, the Chicago Children's Choir will present "Songs of the Season." The program will feature a performance of Bach's "Magnificat," with the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra, and traditional carols and holiday music from around the world. Tickets are $15, $10 for students and seniors, and may be ordered by mail or in person from the Chicago Children's Choir, Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St., Chicago, Ill. 60602. Group rates are available. For more information, call 849-8300.

The series will conclude with an organ recital by Wolfgang Ruebsam at 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18. The program will feature works by Bach, Mozart, Widor and Vivaldi. Tickets are $5, $2 for students, and will be available at the door.

For more information, call 753-1191.