The Tapestry Singers, under the direction of Beth Preston, will perform holiday concerts on Saturday, Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 20 at 4 p.m. Both concerts will be at the Second Congregational Church, 51 Main Street in Newcastle. Sean Fleming will accompany on piano and organ.

The program includes pieces from a variety of traditions by composers such as Ola Gjello, Stephen Paulus, Paul Schoenfield, and William Dawson.

Paulus’ “The Holly and the Ivy” is a refreshing take on a familiar piece. Gjello’s “Evening Prayer,” a feast of soaring, soothing harmonies, will be accompanied by alto saxophone, played by Marcus Hutchins of Southport.

Hutchins is a volunteer band and jazz band teacher in area schools. He plays with the Monday Night Jazz Orchestra, and for other local shows and productions. Hutchins will also play piccolo during Alfred Burt’s “Bright Bright the Holly Berries.”

Additional soloists include Jazmin DeRice of Windham, a mezzo soprano, who has many operatic roles to her credit. Upcoming performances include Handel's “Messiah” Dec. 11, in Newcastle; and two in 2016 - Britten's “Canticle II: Abraham and Isaac” with the Rossini Club in January, and Beethoven's 'Missa Solemnis' in April.

Virginia Flanagan of Alna, harpist, performs with the Midcoast, Bangor, and Augusta Symphonies, and with ensembles at Bates, Bowdoin, and Colby Colleges, Sheepscot Valley Chorus, Penobscot Bay, and Downeast Singers. In addition to regular private lessons she is offering a new teaching program, "Hands-On Harp," a group-format beginner-level introduction to the harp.

Abe Steinberger, a Lincoln Academy senior, has studied oboe for five years with Michael Albert, Associate Professor of Music at Colby College. He has been selected all four years for Maine Music Educator’s All State groups. He has performed with Acadia Wind Ensemble and has been a featured soloist with Seacoast Orchestra.

Tickets, advance and at the door, are $15 are available at the Maine Coast Book Shop in Damariscotta, Now You’re Cooking in Bath, and from chorus members. Students attend at no charge.

If you have further questions, contact Franklin Holland at 207-563-3719.