The Lancaster Art Song Society (LASS) will present a concert of Christmas favorites at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7, at The Trust Performing Arts Center, 37 N. Market St., Lancaster.

The afternoon performance is pay-what-you-will, and seats may be reserved at http://www.lbc.edu/events or http://www.lancastertrust.com.

Featured at the concert will be the LASS chamber singers, Laus Deo, which means "Praise Be to God" and encapsulates the choir's purpose of giving honor and praise. At the Dec. 7 concert, Laus Deo will perform selections alongside New York City musician Joanie Brittingham, who is a soprano, writer, and editor of Classical Singer Magazine, and local actor and singer Matthew Wilhem, who has performed with Sight & Sound Theatres and Servant Stage.

Laus Deo members are part of the developing vocalist program of LASS. They receive intense vocal training, have the opportunity to attend concerts and vocal workshops, and observe and glean from professional guest vocalists. The choir performs for retirement communities and churches and presents concerts at various venues. Laus Deo also ministers in song to the homebound, as well as to those who are receiving hospital or hospice care.

Since 2023, LASS has performed and sponsored classical singers at The Trust while promoting this art form by helping to grow audiences for classical singing recitals and concerts locally. Simultaneously, young members of Laus Deo are trained and provided scholarships. LASS is solely funded by donations and pay-what-you-will musical events.

With a mission to provide vocal training to developing vocalists while also offering performance opportunities for classically trained professional artists, the Lancaster Art Song Society presents concerts for audiences of all ages. Director Heidi Shannon and assistant director Johanna Howarth bring years of experience in teaching and performance.

Shannon has taught music to people of all ages for more than 20 years. She earned a bachelor's degree in music education (voice) from Bob Jones University and a Master of Music from West Chester University. She holds Orff Schulwerk Certifications, Levels I-III, as well as the Master Level. Shannon has also performed with OperaLancaster and directed its first two tours of opera tales.

Howarth is a native of Lancaster County and holds a bachelor's degree in biblical studies and a Bachelor of Music in vocal performance from Lancaster Bible College (LBC). She has accompanied for LBC, OperaLancaster, and Prima Theatre. She has also enjoyed performing in musicals, concerts and various events. She has taught elementary music in school settings, as well.