Maine's Capital Area

Every year, between Thanksgiving and Christmas, the Mount View Chamber Singers, a group of 20 students from Mount View High School, perform a series of concerts at various churches throughout the state of Maine, and even one in Canada.These performances are done by candlelight with the singers spread out, surrounding the audience. The format is slightly nontraditional from most concerts, but as evidenced by the group’s busy schedule (29 concerts in 23 days), it has become a tradition for many during the Christmas season, according to a news release from the group.

This concert tour is what the group calls “Carols in the Round,” and this year is one of great significance. The upcoming 2015 season marks the 25th anniversary of this tradition.

During this time, students pretty much give up their lives to share music with others. Students are out every night of the week, and they do four concerts each weekend, all while keeping up with their studies and other responsibilities. This discipline and hard work provide them with many wonderful opportunities. The group has had the chance to go on several concert tours in places such as Italy, Costa Rica, Ireland, Hungary and El Salvador, to name a few, according to the release. These trips were funded solely by donations received from the public at performances. The group also has been given the opportunity to record five albums. The group is truly grateful to all its supporters over the past 25 years.

Mount View Chamber Singers “Carols in the Round” 2015 ~ 25th anniversary edition

• Friday, Dec. 4, 7 p.m., United Methodist Church, Route 32, Vassalboro

• Wednesday, Dec. 9, 7 p.m., Sacred Heart Church, Hallowell

• Sunday, Dec. 13, 4 p.m., Hammond Street Congregational Church, Bangor; and 7 p.m., Kennebec Valley Baptist Church, Waterville

• Wednesday, Dec. 16, 7 p.m., Winthrop United Methodist Church

For more information, email or call 568-4620.