Findlay, Ohio – To help celebrate the start of the holiday season, The University of Findlay Concert-Chorale is performing “King Island Christmas” Sunday, Nov. 20 at 3 p.m. in the Winebrenner Theological Seminary, TLB Auditorium, adjacent to the UF campus.

“King Island Christmas,” with music by David Friedman and libretto by Deborah Brevoort, is based on the book by Jean Rogers and illustrated by Rie Munoz. Dr. Micheal F. Anders, UF director of choral activities, is the conductor of the 70-voice choir for the performance. In addition, the 20-voice Washington Intermediate School Ensemble, under the direction of Janet Carey, will perform with the Concert-Chorale, along with a 30-piece orchestra.

Called a ‘musical/oratorio for the stage,’ “King Island Christmas” will feature staging by Scott Hayes, theatre program director; a multimedia presentation designed by Jerry Deall, assistant professor of theatre; and costume elements by UF resident costumer Kathy Newell.

Inspired by a true story, “King Island Christmas” is a heartwarming story about the power of community and the ability of the human spirit to overcome adversity.

The production tells the tale of the North Star freighter that is anchored in the Bering Sea on Christmas Eve. The freighter is carrying the village priest and is on its last arctic voyage before the winter ice closes in around King Island. As the story goes on, the waves become too high for the villagers to go out and fetch the priest, and without him there will be no Christmas celebration. In a communal effort, the villagers triumphantly carry their walrus skin boat over a mountain to calmer waters and bring the priest ashore. Christmas is celebrated on King Island.

For more information on this free, public performance, contact the Box Office at 419-434-5335.