Vashon Island Chorale will continue the tradition of kicking off the Island’s holiday season with its annual presentation of “A Celebration of Carols.”

Performances are slated for 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at Bethel Evangelical Church.

Under the direction of Gary Cannon, the 75-member choir will be joined by a 15-piece chamber orchestra.

The chorale’s larger works will include “Fantasia on Christmas Carols,” by British composer Ralph Vaughan Williams, and “A Christmas Garland,” by Conrad Susa, a San Francisco composer who is known for his operatic and choral works.

“The Vaughan Williams piece captures the English holiday spirit so perfectly,” said Cannon.

The “Fantasia” features baritone soloist Andrew Krikawa, who has become well known on Vashon for his powerful, expressive style.

The chorale will also perform two shorter pieces by Gustav Holst, a contemporary of Vaughan Williams.

On the lighter side, the chorale will perform a secular consort of carols, one of which includes a kazoo interlude by the pseudo-historical figure P.D.Q. Bach.

Bethel Church is located in the northwest corner of the Island at S.W. 148th Street and 119th Avenue. Signs will be posted at several points along the route starting at Cove Road and Vashon Highway.

Tickets are $12.50 or $10 for students and seniors and can be purchased in advance at Books by the Way and Vashon Bookshop. Barring an advance sell-out, tickets will also be sold at the door.

Refreshments will be provided by the Bethel Women’s Association.

Complete program information and a link to Cannon’s notes on each of the concert’s pieces, can be found at www.vashonislandchorale.org.