The title of Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society’s 2025 Christmas concert, “Mistletoe and Miracles,” neatly describes the program. Like the old-fashioned holiday tradition of decking the halls with mistletoe and holly, the first half of the concert will consist of traditional Christmas songs. After a brief intermission, “King of Kings,” a contemporary musical portrayal of the miracle of the Nativity will be presented.

Sherri Jensen, director and conductor of Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society, explained that the first part of the concert will feature different songs from last year’s Christmas concert. “We’re going to do the ‘Over the River and Through the Woods,’ arrangement by Ryan Murphy that will knock your socks off!” she exclaimed.

Soloists perform with Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society during the 2024 Christmas concert. (Photo courtesy Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society)

“We just keep adding new components to make the concerts as entertaining as possible,” Choral Society president Janelle Blackham said. “Mistletoe and Miracles” will include other new arrangements of traditional Christmas songs. Blackham mentioned a version of “Angels We Have Heard On High” arranged by Dan Forrest. “It is really fun to sing,” she said.

The Riverton Children’s Choir will join the Choral Society for the song, “The Christmas Gift” as well as a rousing performance of Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s “Christmas Canon” complete with electric guitars.

A perhaps lesser-known piece in the program is “Sisters” which was sung by Rosemary Clooney in the 1954 film, “White Christmas.” “It’s a beautiful song, but also funny,” Jensen said. “I’ve been waiting for a long time to do it.”

The first half of the concert will also include the Michael Bublé version of “Frosty the Snowman” featuring the Puppini Sisters. “Bublé is just so classic,” she said.

The second half of “Mistletoe and Miracles,” “King of Kings,” is special to many of the musicians and singers in Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society. They first performed it in 2019 as well as several times since then, including during their European tour.

The musical portrayal of the Nativity was written and composed by two young composers from Draper, Tyler Teerlink and Jake Lives. Teerlink and Lives set out to tell the story of the birth of Jesus Christ in a way that contemporary audiences can relate to by portraying the inner lives and feelings of the biblical figures through song.

The cast of “King of Kings” prepares to take a bow with Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society during the 2024 Christmas concert. (Photo courtesy Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society)

Second violinist Daria Ruesch commented, “‘King of Kings’ just carries a special spirit. It’s what Christmas is all about.” Blackham recalled the first time that she saw it. “It was a remarkable thing to experience,” she said. 

“King of Kings” incorporates costumed soloists along with the full orchestra and choir. “The Choral Society has its own numbers in addition to providing musical background to the soloists,” Blackham said. She spoke of the uplifting experience of singing with a full orchestra, noting that Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society is one of the few community choirs to offer that opportunity.

Ruesch also expressed her appreciation of being a member of Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society. “I really love that everyone comes from such different backgrounds but we all come together to share our talents. A lot of us wouldn’t have the opportunity to sing or play our instruments if we didn’t have the ‘Draper Phil.’ It’s awesome to have that.”

Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society will present “Mistletoe and Miracles” at 7 p.m. on Dec. 19 and 20 at Skyridge High School in Lehi. For the link to purchase tickets online and for more information, visit draperphilharmonic.org.