DANBURY — Connecticut Master Chorale, under the direction of Tina Johns Heidrich, will celebrate its 25th anniversary season, beginning with its annual Holiday Prelude Concert on Sunday, November 23, at 3 pm, at First Congregational Church, 164 Deer Hill Avenue in Danbury.

“Season of Joy” is the theme for this year’s concert. Welcoming the coming holidays, the program features a stellar selection of outstanding festive choral music. The diverse program includes selections for winter, Advent, Hannukah, and the new year, with joyous carols, big band, spirituals, gospel and more.

The concert opens with “Sing Joy,” a collection of favorite carols emphasizing singing and joy. Program highlights include Dan Forrest’s new arrangement of “Angels We Have Heard on High,” and a new melody for “Silent Night” in a peaceful, ethereal choral work by Eileen Hagenberg.

The gospel Christmas song “One Sweet Little Baby” relates the travels of the Holy Family to Bethlehem and Egypt, and a lovely ballad by Gordon Lightfoot expresses the desire to be with loved ones on a cold, snowy night.

“The Star,” written and sung by Mariah Carey for the animated movie The Star and nominated for Best Original Song at the 75th Golden Globe Awards, is also on the Holiday Prelude program.

The concert finale is “They Had Joy,” the ultimate joyful Southern Gospel version of the Wise Men’s journey as they follow the star to find the baby boy in the manger.

The Chorale will be accompanied by Connecticut Master Chorale Holiday Brass, and Joseph Jacovino on piano.

Newtown residents in the Chorale are Ginnie Carey, Anita Corbeil, Dana Demand, Elizabeth Johnston-O’Connor, David Jurman, Brad Peterson, and Nancy Raymond.

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. They can be purchased from any singing member, by calling 203-740-9533, or at Mikee’s Place in Southbury.

Additional information is available at cmchorale.org.