TPAC stages diverse holiday spectacular

Topeka – The Topeka Performing Arts Center will present “A Community Christmas” at 7 p.m. Saturday.

The musical spectacular will feature performers representing Topeka’s artistic, cultural and religious communities. It will include a retelling of “The Christmas Story,” a stop at the North Pole to see Santa’s preparations for the big trip and a journey through a “Winter Wonderland.”

Tickets for the production, under the artistic direction of Linda Blasi Bixler, are $15 and $12 with discounts for seniors and children 12 and under. Tickets are available at the TPAC box office and all TicketMaster outlets, or charge by phone at (785) 234-4545. Tickets also can be purchased online at www.tpac.org.

WU Holiday vespers to be at White Hall

Topeka – Washburn University’s holiday vespers will be at 4 p.m. today at White Concert Hall. The concert is free and open to the public.

Performing at the event are the Washburn University Choir, Singers, Orchestra, Percussion Ensemble, Brass Ensemble and Violin and Cello Ensembles.

The program will include a carol sing-along and movement I of Mozart’s Symphony No. 29.

A reading of the Christmas story is planned by Gordon McQuere, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Participants will include pianist Pat Gibson, organist Norma Pettijohn and harpsichordist Shiao-Li Ding.

For more information, call (785) 231-1010, ext. 1511.