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A VERY MUSICAL DECEMBER: Holiday music is in store at a number of music department and Mondavi Center events:

University Chorus and Chamber Singers -- Celebration of the music of Dietrich Buxtehude plus Carols for Christmas (works by Bob Chilcott, John Rutter, Eric Whitacre, Ralph Vaughan Williams and others); featuring David Deffner, organ; Ian Howell, countertenor; Robert Stafford, bass baritone; and members of the American Bach Soloists. 8 p.m. Dec. 2, Jackson Hall, Mondavi Center.

In the Spirit of Christmas -- Vocal students performing music from Handel's Messiah, plus works by Bach, Gounod and others; and Christmas carols. Free. 3-5 p.m. Dec. 7, 115 Music Building.

Blind Boys of Alabama Holiday Show -- 8 p.m. Dec. 20, Jackson Hall. The concert, based on the Blind Boys' album Go Tell It On the Mountain, features bluesy, gospelized versions of seasonal favorites, old and new.

Handel's Messiah -- Performed by the American Bach Soloists, under the direction of Jeffrey Thomas, UC º£½ÇÔ­´´ music professor, and conductor of the University Chorus, Alumni Chorus and Chamber Singers, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22, Jackson Hall.

Program information was not available for these music department events:

Gospel Choir -- 7 p.m. Dec. 1, Freeborn Hall.

Student Chamber Ensembles -- Free. 12:05 p.m. Dec. 4, and 12:05 and 4 p.m. Dec. 6, 115 Music Building.

Wind Ensemble -- 7 p.m. Dec. 5, Jackson Hall, Mondavi Center.

Early Music Ensemble -- 8 p.m. Dec. 8, St. Martin's Episcopal Church, 640 Hawthorne Lane, º£½ÇÔ­´´.

Tickets for all except In the Spirit of Christmas (free), student chamber ensembles (free) and the Early Music Ensemble are available through the Mondavi Center box office, (530) 754-2787 or (866) 754-2787, or . No admission charge for the Early Music Ensemble; however, donations suggested at the door: $12 for adults, and $6 for students and children.

PIANIST IN DEBUT SERIES: The Mondavi Center's Debut Series is scheduled to debut in mid-December with a pair of concerts by pianist Chu-Fang Huang. She is set to perform at 8 p.m. Dec. 15 and 2 p.m. Dec. 16 in the Studio Theatre.

Tickets: (530) 754-2787 or (866) 754-2787, or .