The Vancouver Chamber Choir artfully combines seasonal choral music and readings in The Christmas Story—and mixes up roles a bit.

Usual maestro Jon Washburn will be reading the texts while Kevin Zakresky conducts, with a cameo appearance by the British Columbia Girls Choir and its director, Fiona Blackburn.

The carols on offer span a gorgeous range, from the ethereal “Carol of the Bells” to the haunting “O magnum mysterium”.

Old mixes with new, too, with contemporary pieces like Jean Coulthard’s “Polish Lullaby” on the program. The show takes place on Friday (December 16) at Ryerson United Church.