BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – The Bloomington holiday tradition and jolliest family-friendly event of the season, Chimes of Christmas, returns to IU Auditorium on Saturday, December 3 for two performances at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Starring the Grammy-nominated Singing Hoosiers, the concert features a mix of well-known carols, contemporary hits, and classical arrangements.

This year's production will feature 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.

 

Bonds and Hughes were family friends, and they share a midwestern connection (Bonds raised in Chicago and educated at Northwestern and Hughes born in Missouri and raised in Ohio). 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 Jacobs School of Music Contemporary Vocal Ensemble) with a solo vocal quartet and full orchestra. 

 

Directed by Dr. Chris Albanese, the Singing Hoosiers are a Bloomington favorite with over 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.

 

“We can’t wait to get into the holiday spirit the best way we know how, with the annual presentation of Chimes of Christmas,” said IU Auditorium Managing Director Maria Talbert. “Led by IU’s very own Singing Hoosiers, Chimes is always full of incredible songs and performances. It is the perfect event to get the whole family ready for the holiday season.”

 

Holiday Food Drive

Preceding the show, there will be a food donation drive benefiting the Hoosier Hills Food Bank in Bloomington. Hoosier Hills Food Bank is a local non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating hunger in South Central Indiana. Donations will help feed children, seniors, and low-income households across Monroe, Brown, Lawrence, Orange, Owen, and Martin County. Donations will be collected in the Auditorium entryway starting one hour before the show begins. All donations of non-perishable food will be greatly appreciated.

 

Ornament Craft Station

Prior to each performance, ticket holders can take part in crafting their own holiday ornament to celebrate the season. Ornament craft stations will be set up in the main lobby of IU Auditorium. This free opportunity is sure to be fun for the whole family. (Available while supplies last.)

 

Chimes of Christmas at IU Auditorium is presented in partnership with IU Health, IU Credit Union, IU Bookstore, Dermatology Center of Southern Indiana, Indiana Memorial Union, Biddle Hotel, and Conference Center, and EllieMae’s Boutique. IU Auditorium’s 2022–2023 season is presented by B97, French Lick Resort, Curry Auto Center, The Herald Times, Upland Brewing Company, and World Arts Inc.

 

For more information on this performance and the rest of the 2022–2023 season, visit IUauditorium.com.