The Southwest Indiana Cantata Choir will present its annual Christmas production The Ballad of Bethlehem this Sunday at 4 p.m. in the Washington High School auditorium. The event is free and open to the public, with general seating available.

The cantata tells the story of the birth of Christ through music, narration, actors, and a live Nativity scene. According to the choir’s announcement, the performance includes a 22-member orchestra made up of professional musicians and college students from across southern Indiana. Narration will be presented in English, Creole, and Spanish to make the program accessible to more members of the community.

Director Joyce Kim-Rohrer, an adjunct music professor at Vincennes University, said this year’s choir includes VU students, faculty, alumni, and singers from 17 churches across seven counties. The group has grown to more than 50 members since forming nearly a decade ago.

Sunday’s performance is supported by donations from individuals, local churches, and area businesses. A free-will offering will be collected, and a handmade quilt will be raffled to help support future productions.

The cantata begins at 4 p.m. Sunday at Washington High School.

Full interview with Joyce Kim-Rohrer available below