LEWISBURG — Originating in Mifflinburg, the Buffalo Valley Singers (BVS) have been performing for almost 50 years, and are gearing up for the annual Christmas concert.

“We’ve welcomed many new members this season and are 80 strong,” BVS leadership announced in a recent press release.

The singers are directed by Connie Pawling-Young. Bret Hosterman accompanies on piano and organ, and percussionist Fred Lawrence returns on drums and traps.

The concert also features new-to-BVS soloists and instrumentalists.

“Jazz is the flavor of this year’s Buffalo Valley Singers Christmas concert,” the release said. “Traditional pieces, arranged with pizazz, include ‘Ding Dong Merrily On High,’ ‘Winter Wonderland’ and ‘Go and Tell It.'”

To balance out the snappy toe-tappers, the choir calms with “Breath of Heaven (Mary’s Song),” and “Christmas in Heaven,” both relatively new but recognized pieces.

Recorded by Amy Grant, “Breath of Heaven” is adapted from The Nativity Story, expressing the Blessed Virgin Mary’s thoughts as she traveled to Bethlehem before Christ’s birth.

Christmas in Heaven, a song of comfort, is a narration by a loved one spending Christmas in heaven.

In keeping with the meaning of Christmas, Connie selected other well-known pieces “Do You Hear What I Hear?,” “O Come All Ye Faithful” and “Emmanuel,” with a few choir and solo surprises in store, the release said.

The performances are at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, and at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, at St. John’s United Church of Christ, 1050 Buffalo Road, Lewisburg.

Tickets may be purchased at the door. Admission is $8 for adults, youths 12 and under are free.

Doors open 30 minutes prior to the start time.