‘Visions of Christmas’ concerts Friday, Dec. 14

Hosted at First United Methodist Church

“Visions of Christmas” will be presented on Friday, Dec. 14, at 7 p.m., at First United Methodist Church in Franklin. The church is located at 66 Harrision Avenue. Both the Carolines Women's Chorale and Brasstown Ringers use their favorite music to bring forth visions of what the music means to the individual listener. Journey with us from the deserts of Arabia, to the fields of the shepherds, to Bethlehem and into our modern day world. The Carolines will sing in the Fellowship Hall at 6:30 p.m. and the Brasstown Ringers perform in the sanctuary at 7 p.m. Both programs are free and a freewill offering will be taken at the end of the handbell concert.

The Carolines, who are based in Franklin, will perform a distinctive mix of traditional and more recent Christmas music to get the evening off to a festive start. They are directed by Beverly Barnett and accompanied by Urs Tolotti. The Brasstown Ringers mix beautiful traditional tunes such as “O Holy Night and “Lo, How A Rose” with unusual carols such as Puerto Rican based “Carol of the Wise Men” for their portion of the program. The handbell group is directed by Pat Meinecke and will be joined by violinist, Victoria Gobble, on two of their pieces. 2012 - 2013 Brasstown Ringers' performances are dedicated to a former member, Carla Brown, who is currently undergoing cancer treatments. The Brasstown Ringers will also appear at First Christian Chruch, 146 Scenic Drive, Candler, N.C., at 4 p.m. on Dec. 15.

The programs are sponsored by the Arts Council of Macon County.