The University of St. Thomas in Saint Paul, Minnesota proudly presents the fifth national broadcast of its annual Christmas concert. The festive holiday performance A ST. THOMAS CHRISTMAS: COMFORT & JOY showcases the university's world-class vocal and instrumental ensembles in concert. The one-hour holiday special celebrates the Advent and Christmas season, drawing from both familiar traditional carols and innovative contemporary selections. This year, the program premieres a new commissioned original work entitled "Comfort & Joy," composed by Jocelyn Hagen. The piece features the entire tour de force of ensembles from the University of St. Thomas, including the chamber singers, concert choir, liturgical choir, Donne unite, symphonic wind ensemble, string orchestra, and brass choir. The program will be filmed before a live audience of 2,500 choral and instrumental music enthusiasts at Orchestra Hall in downtown Minneapolis on December 8, 2019. Orchestra Hall is home to the acclaimed Minnesota Orchestra and widely known for its acoustic design in the honored tradition of renowned European concert halls.