The U of A's Inspirational Chorale invites everyone to "Together (Again) For the Holidays," a spectacular concert at the Jim and Joyce Faulkner Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 9. It will be a night of uplifting and joyous holiday music the whole family will enjoy.

Under the direction of Jeffrey Murdock, the Chorale comes back to the stage after an almost two-year hiatus. 

"It is so wonderful to be back on stage doing what we love again," Murdock said. "At the beginning of the pandemic, choral music was hit hard because singing was considered a super-spreader. Though the singers and the audience will be masked, I'm just thankful to be on stage again with my students."

Joining the Inspirational Chorale will be the Arkansas Philharmonic Orchestra and the Razorback Chorus. The performance will also feature a special appearance by U of A vocal professor Lenora Green-Turner, and very special guest, Grammy Award-winning singer Ledisi.

"I wanted to add something special this year for our holiday concert. Ledisi is an amazing singer and crossover artist and her style fits well with the Inspirational Chorale. We are excited to collaborate with her!" Murdock said.

The concert will include beloved holiday musical staples, as well as new and different favorites that are added in each year. 

"This year, we even have two pieces that were written for the Inspirational Chorale and APO specifically for this concert," Murdock said.

When asked how it felt to have a full audience for the show again, even if everyone is all masked up, Murdock smiled. 

"The students are incredibly excited," he said. "We've been doing virtual concerts and while it allowed us to perform, certainly, it was not the same as the thrill of having a live audience. I'll never take singing for a live audience for granted again."

Tickets can be purchased through uark.universitytickets.com. Tickets for the general public are $35, University of Arkansas faculty and staff tickets are $25, and student tickets are $20.