November 19, 2008 — The Charlottesville and University Symphony Orchestra and the University Singers are joining forces to present their fourth annual holiday concerts, a compilation of seasonal favorites with pieces for orchestra and chorus.

The University Singers, U.Va.'s premiere vocal group, will join the orchestra, as will well-known jazz vocalist Stephanie Nakasian. Conductor Michael Slon will lead the concert. There are two performances: Dec. 6 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 7 at 3:30 p.m., both in Old Cabell Hall. Ticket prices range from $10 to $35. The concerts are sponsored by Chase Investment Counsel Corporation.

Nakasian will perform "Let it Snow" and "The Christmas Waltz" with the orchestra. She is recognized by the Biographical Encyclopedia of Jazz as one of the leading jazz singers in the world today, with five CDs and numerous radio appearances on the internationally syndicated "Riverwalk." Her jazz style is compared to Ella Fitzgerald, June Christy and Rosemary Clooney and her improvisation workshops are popular with students from elementary school through professional levels. She has headlined performances at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Northsea Jazz Festival, JazzPartyatSea Cruise, North Carolina Jazz Festival and at hundreds of school and club concerts.

The concert is expected to draw many students and families. The wide selection of festive and familiar music is very upbeat and audience-friendly. The groups will also perform over a dozen short works, including Leroy Anderson's classic "Sleigh Ride," George Frideric Handel's moving "Hallelujah" chorus from the Messiah, and the festive "Twelve Days of Christmas."