Yuletide is the time for celebrating through singing songs of gladness and joy, whether they be the great collection of carols or some of the greatest choral repertoire ever written.

Much of Orcas a Cappella’s singing repertoire comes from the Christmas season, including an international collection of carols, as well as songs for worship and liturgy. To begin this year’s Yuletide, the singers would like to share some of this great music with their island communities. Their performance will be at 4 p.m., Dec. 5 on Lopez at the Episcopal church. Admission by donation.

From the most exquisitely crafted and beautiful “O Magnum Mysterium” by William Byrd, to excerpts from Benjamin Britten’s “Ceremony of Carols,” the singers will bring music familiar and beyond. The program will also include the stirring renditions of “Christus Natus Est” (Damijan Mocnik), along with “Lux Fulgebit” (Javier Busto), “Ave Maria” (Rachmaninov), and “Child of Peace” (Jeffrey Van). Favorite folk music, “I wonder as I wander,” “Carol of the Birds,” “Jesus Christ the Appletree,” will feature guest soloists.

Special musical guests will include Ann Palmer of the Lopez Singers; and harpist Mary WillAllen from San Juan Island. Long standing Director, Dennis Bonner, will be joined by Angel Michaels, Associate Director, and who also directs the San Juan Singers as well as other community choirs on San Juan. Make this event the start of a memorable and festive Yuletide for you and yours.