A VERY MUSICAL DECEMBER: Holiday music is in store at a number of music department and Mondavi Center events:

University Chorus and Chamber Singers -- Celebration of the music of Dietrich Buxtehude plus Carols for Christmas (works by Bob Chilcott, John Rutter, Eric Whitacre, Ralph Vaughan Williams and others); featuring David Deffner, organ; Ian Howell, countertenor; Robert Stafford, bass baritone; and members of the American Bach Soloists. 8 p.m. Dec. 2, Jackson Hall, Mondavi Center.

In the Spirit of Christmas -- Vocal students performing music from Handel's Messiah, plus works by Bach, Gounod and others; and Christmas carols. Free. 3-5 p.m. Dec. 7, 115 Music Building.

Blind Boys of Alabama Holiday Show -- 8 p.m. Dec. 20, Jackson Hall. The concert, based on the Blind Boys' album Go Tell It On the Mountain, features bluesy, gospelized versions of seasonal favorites, old and new.

Handel's Messiah -- Performed by the American Bach Soloists, under the direction of Jeffrey Thomas, UC Davis music professor, and conductor of the University Chorus, Alumni Chorus and Chamber Singers, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22, Jackson Hall.

Program information was not available for these music department events:

Gospel Choir -- 7 p.m. Dec. 1, Freeborn Hall.

Student Chamber Ensembles -- Free. 12:05 p.m. Dec. 4, and 12:05 and 4 p.m. Dec. 6, 115 Music Building.

Wind Ensemble -- 7 p.m. Dec. 5, Jackson Hall, Mondavi Center.

Early Music Ensemble -- 8 p.m. Dec. 8, St. Martin's Episcopal Church, 640 Hawthorne Lane, Davis.

Tickets for all except In the Spirit of Christmas (free), student chamber ensembles (free) and the Early Music Ensemble are available through the Mondavi Center box office, (530) 754-2787 or (866) 754-2787, or www.mondaviarts.org. No admission charge for the Early Music Ensemble; however, donations suggested at the door: $12 for adults, and $6 for students and children.

PIANIST IN DEBUT SERIES: The Mondavi Center's Debut Series is scheduled to debut in mid-December with a pair of concerts by pianist Chu-Fang Huang. She is set to perform at 8 p.m. Dec. 15 and 2 p.m. Dec. 16 in the Studio Theatre.

Tickets: (530) 754-2787 or (866) 754-2787, or www.mondaviarts.org.