“Christmas at the Alys” on Dec. 5 welcomes hundreds of local singers to ring in the holiday season

The Department of Music presents this annual favorite, featuring UAB Concert Choir and Chamber Singers, the UAB Trumpet Ensemble, choirs and ensembles from area high schools, and the Steel City Men’s Chorus. 

christmas at the AlysUAB Music's Christmas at the AlysJoin the University of Alabama at Birmingham for a family-friendly choral celebration to ring in the holiday season with “Christmas at the Alys” on Monday, Dec. 5.

Presented by the College of Arts and SciencesDepartment of Music, the concert features hundreds of singers as the UAB choirs are joined by area choirs.

The performance begins at 7 p.m. in UAB’s Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center, Jemison Concert Hall. Tickets are $8 general admission and $5 for all students. Call 205-975-2787 for tickets. Contact the UAB Department of Music at 205-934-7376 or www.uab.edu/cas/music

The concert is led by the UAB Concert Choir and Chamber Singers, with Brian Kittredge, DMA, conductor, and the UAB Trumpet Ensemble, led by James Zingara, DMA, conductor. Joining them are the John Carroll Catholic Singers and Mixed Ensemble, led by Maria Wilson, conductor; Calera High School Choir, led by Alice LaGrone, conductor; Thompson High School Madrigals, led by Natalie Allen, conductor; Hueytown High School Concert Choir and Chamber Choir, led by Bradley Wilson, conductor; Vestavia Hills High School Honor Choir, led by Megan Rudolph, conductor; Gardendale High School Chamber Choir, led by Ginny Hughes, conductor; Helena High School Chamber Choir and Spotlight, led by Cissy Johnson, conductor; and Steel City Men’s Chorus, led by Stephen Morros, conductor. 

The annual “Christmas at the Alys” celebration began in 2001. The event has welcomed thousands of choral singers from the Birmingham community to perform together.

“I love seeing my students’ faces when they realize they are going to perform in such a wonderful facility, with well-trained musicians from all over the state. My students look forward to this event every year,” LaGrone said.

‘“Christmas at the Alys’ signals the beginning of the Christmas season for my students; but more importantly, it provides a unique opportunity to collaborate with other choirs in the Birmingham area for a meaningful musical experience. It is so inspiring to be able to sing in such an amazing facility. It is the highlight of our year,” said Maria Wilson.

This year’s event is sure to provide a wonderful start to the holidays, complete with holiday musical favorites, beautiful décor and even a few surprise performances, Kittredge says.

  • December 5