The talents of more than 300 students will be on display Nov. 30-Dec. 2 during the 65^th annual Christmas with Wartburg.

Tickets go on sale to the public Monday, Nov. 5, with three performances in Neumann Auditorium at Wartburg College — Saturday, Dec. 1, at 3 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 2, at 3 p.m. The Sunday concert is nearly sold out.

Christmas with Wartburg also will be performed at the Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines, Friday, Nov. 30, at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $15 for all performances.

“The Winter Rose Blooms — Rejoice!” is the concert theme, inspired by the prophecy found in Isaiah 11. The program features the college’s three touring ensembles — the Wartburg Choir, the Castle Singers jazz ensemble and the Wind Ensemble — as well as the all-male Ritterchor, the all-female St. Elizabeth Chorale and the handbell ensemble.

The program under the direction of Dr. Lee Nelson, associate professor of music, is a musical journey from the Creation story through the birth and death of Christ and the promise of an eternal life. Songs of heaven and nature will be intermixed with traditional Christmas music and carols.

Highlights will include new compositions by Connor Coppin, a senior from Mason City and member of the Wartburg Choir, and noted composer Craig Curry, as well as new hymn settings by Joshua Evanovich, a 2007 Wartburg graduate, and Dr. Karen Black, professor of music and college organist.

Meals will be offered in Waverly Saturday and Sunday at 5 p.m.

Tickets for both the concerts and the meals will be available at www.wartburg.edu/christmas, or from noon to 4 p.m. weekdays at the ticket office in Saemann Student Center or by calling 319 352-8691.