The holidays usher in a months-long marathon of shopping, parties, decorating, eating, and merriment. While festive, these weeks leading up to the New Year can also be frenzied and overwhelming. This year, Ensemble VIII offers a serenely sophisticated holiday program as we live fully into the magic and mystery of the season. Music spanning from medieval Europe to African-American spirituals and carols of the Americas will delight the ear and warm the listener’s heart.