Tis the season to be jolly, and that means Christmas carols are on the programme at many concerts and church services over the next few weeks.
At many of these events, even tone-deaf audience members have once-a-year licence to sing along with the choir.
First up, and opening their 35th season in Hong Kong, are the Cecilian Singers with a December 11 concert at St John's Cathedral featuring the Asian premiere of Nova Gaudia, a Christmas cantata by David Francis Urrows, and Charpentier's baroque Mass For Christmas Night. The concert (tickets $100 at the door) is a benefit for The Samaritans.
Christmas just would not be Christmas without a Messiah sing-along, and this year there are two opportunities to join in Handel's rousing 'Hallelujah Chorus', on December 12 and 13, thanks to the Community Church of Hong Kong. These concerts - to be held on the 75th floor of Central Plaza, and starting at 7pm, are sure to be sell-outs, so book now ($120, tel: 2576-9656).
'Singing along with The Messiah can be anything from a great dance to a choral video game, because the music is bold and dramatic, with an incredible range of emotions,' conductor Jeanette Gallant said.
'Sheet music will be provided and I will explain how everything works, so people can sing along with the Academy Choir,' she added.