Photo by Tyagan Miller, courtesy of the African American Arts Institute African American Choral Ensemble, directed by James Mumford Singing Hoosiers

The African American Arts Institute and the Singing Hoosiers launch Bloomington’s holiday season at two December events:

• Continuing its “30 Years of Excellence” theme IU’s African American Arts Institute will present a Pre-Kwanza Celebration on Wednesday, Dec. 1 (6 p.m.), at the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center’s grand hall. The celebration features the choral ensemble, known for its spirituals, gospel music and formally composed music by and about African Americans. The choral ensemble and its three small a capella groups are directed by James Mumford, who has been with the institute for more than 20 years.

• "Chimes of Christmas" is a holiday tradition presented by the IU Singing Hoosiers and directed by Michael Schwartzkopf. This year’s concert is Wednesday, Dec. 8 (7:30 p.m.) at the IU Auditorium. The show features the IU Wind Ensemble, Trombone Choir and all 125 members of the Grammy-nominated Singing Hoosiers. Tickets: $10-$14.

Nutcrackers to know

The Richard K. Stem Concert Hall at IU Southeast is sold out for its Dec. 7-8 performances of excerpts from The Nutcracker.

But good news: there are still tickets for the IU Ballet Theater’s staging of Peter Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece at the Musical Arts Center in Bloomington Dec. 3, 4 and 5.

http://www.music.indiana.edu/publicity/ballet/index2.html