Kansas UniversityâÂÂs annual Holiday Vespers is a tradition 78 years in the making.

This year, it keeps many of its traditional features, like audience singalongs of popular carols. But the concert will take on a slightly different flavor under the direction of the new director of choral activities, John Paul Johnson.

âÂÂIn years past, the way it was usually set up was each of the individual choirs did something by themselves, then one or two together,â Johnson said. âÂÂIâÂÂm changing that quite a bit in that all the choirs are performing together, so itâÂÂs much more like a symphonic choir.âÂÂ

The program should have a more even-paced feeling to it as well, Johnson said, because he and KU Symphony Orchestra conductor Timothy Hankewich will be the only conductors. In past Vespers, seven or eight conductors often were involved, Johnson said.

Some 250 voices will combine for this yearâÂÂs concert. Vespers brings together the University of Kansas choral groups and the Symphony Orchestra for a performance that includes classic and contemporary seasonal music. Audience participation is part of the tradition.

âÂÂThis is a tradition I knew of even before I ever applied for the job,â said Johnson, who assumed his duties at KU in August. âÂÂKU Holiday Vespers are famous all around the United States, and theyâÂÂre part of what drew me to come here. ItâÂÂs just great to be part of the choral tradition here.âÂÂ

He said he had been listening to people in the community talk about what they like and donâÂÂt like about Vespers.

âÂÂIâÂÂve really listened very closely to people and tried to make it very entertaining and, I donâÂÂt want to say fast-paced, but it has an even pacing about it,â Johnson said. âÂÂI think people will notice thereâÂÂs a real theme going on.âÂÂ

The centerpiece of the evening will be the dramatic staging of several scenes from âÂÂAmahl and the Night Visitors,â written in 1951 by Gian Carlo Menotti. Joining traditional holiday favorites like âÂÂWe Three Kings,â âÂÂChristmas Dayâ and âÂÂJingle Bell Rockâ will be âÂÂOn This Day the Earth Shall Ringâ and âÂÂWinterâ from VivaldiâÂÂs âÂÂFour Seasons.âÂÂ

The concert also will include âÂÂOse Shalom,â based on traditional Hebrew text; âÂÂBethelehemu,â a Nigerian Christmas song; and the gospel spiritual âÂÂGo Where I Send Thee.âÂÂ

The finale, Randol Bassâ âÂÂGloria,â was premiered by the Boston Pops Tanglewood Chorus.

Two original compositions by KU faculty members also will be featured: âÂÂGracious Creatorâ by Charles Hoag and âÂÂThe Christmas Silenceâ by Scott Watson, both professors of music and dance. KUâÂÂs barbershop quartet and members of the KU Percussion Ensemble will make special appearances.

Early arrivals will be treated to singing by the WomenâÂÂs Chorale, MenâÂÂs Glee Club and the Instrumental Collegium Musicum in the Lied Center lobby before the 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. concerts. Tandy Reussner will perform two free pre-Vespers organ concerts at 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at Bales Organ Recital Hall.