"Peace, Love and Joy" is the theme of a Christmas concert that will be presented by the Lan-Chester Chorus on Sunday, Dec. 18, at 3 p.m. at the Christiana Fire Company, 214 S. Bridge St., Christiana. Admission is free, but a freewill offering will be received.

A variety of Christmas music will be featured. "(Audiences) will be hearing both sacred and holiday music," said Joan Esworthy, who has been a member of the chorus for more than 20 years.

The selections may include "All Is Quiet," "The Holiday Tango," "Irving Berlin's Christmas," "Almost There," "The First Noel" and "Like a River in My Soul."

"It's all four-part harmonies (with) alto, bass, tenor and soprano," said Esworthy, noting that the chorus got its name from the fact that its members are from both Lancaster and Chester counties.

Light refreshments will be served following the concert, and the fire hall will be festively decorated by members of the chorus with poinsettias and greens.

The chorus, founded in 1950, has been meeting in Christiana for more than 70 years. It was founded by Martha Jean Moffert and Richard Wright, who served as accompanist and business manager, respectively, for the chorus through 2008. Directors over the years have included Moffert, Sally Breuninger, Jim Zwally, Donald Trostle, Elliott Block, Cliff Behrendt, Earl Pickle and Bill Young. The current director is Kimberly Kusnersyk, and the accompanist is Christine Smith.

The chorus performs at local retirement communities, including Quarryville Presbyterian Retirement Community, Harrison House in Christiana and Tel Hai Retirement Community in Honey Brook, as well as other venues, such as Longwood Gardens and the Brandywine River Museum.

The group has also performed several times at the White House for Christmas and at the Kennedy Center. For many years, the chorus presented Saturday evening concerts at the Music Pier in Ocean City, N.J.

"We performed for a Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the state capitol in Harrisburg and at a Christmas open house at the governor's mansion," said Esworthy. "We have also sung the national anthem numerous times for the Philadelphia Phillies and the Lancaster Barnstormers."

In addition to the Christmas concert, the chorus performs a spring show. "We take a break for the holidays but will start rehearsals again in the spring," noted Esworthy.

The chorus meets on Mondays at the Christiana Fire Company from 7 to 8:30 p.m. "We are always looking for new members," said Esworthy. Anyone interested in joining the chorus may email Kusnersyk at kusnersyk@yahoo.com.