Halalisa Singers: All Hayle to the Days

Just in time for the holidays, the Halalisa Singers present seasonal music from around the world in “All Hayle to the Days: Songs of the Season.” featuring songs of Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Solstice and Christmas and including Benjamin Britten’s “A Ceremony of Carols” on the occasion of the composer’s centenary. The concert will be performed in Lexington at the First Parish Church on Dec. 7, at 8 p.m., and at the First Parish of Sudbury, 327 Concord Rd., on Dec. 8 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $18, $15 students and seniors.

The 16th-century French carol “Rise Up in Festive Song” opens the program, conducted by Artistic Director Mary Cunningham Neumann. The 17th-century English carol “All Hayle to the Days,” presented in Elizabeth Norton’s arrangement, sets the tone of gathering for joyous celebration “to drive the cold winter away.” For Hanukkah, the singers present the Sephardic lullaby “Durme, Durme,” and Stanley Hoffman’s arrangement of “Mi Y’Maleil (Who Can Recount),” from the traditional blessing over Hanukkah candles.

Also on the program: Hoffman’s “Land of Crystal Dreams,” and Kwanzaa celebration “Harambee,” an upbeat, rhythmic telling of the African holiday’s seven principles.  International carols to be sung include Nigerian Christmas song “Ogo Ni Fun Oluwa,” 16th-century Spanish carol “Riu, Riu, Chiu,” and Latvian carols “Mekletaja Cels” and “Ai, Nama Mamina.”

Led by Artistic Director Mary Neumann, the chorus will be accompanied by harpist Juli Miller, pianist Trevor Berens, and percussionist Marytha Paffrath. For information visit www.halalisa.org