The work of composer Michael Kregler will be featured in the upcoming second concert series of the Warwick Symphony Orchestra entitled “The Kingdom of this World” beginning December 4. The historic 50th season of the WSO will include the world premier of Kregler’s specially commissioned choral and orchestral piece, “Now Winter Nights.” It will bring together the Orchestra with the URI Concert Choir and the Rhode Island- ACDA High School Honors Choir under the direction of Mark Conley.

The Holiday Series opens on Sunday, December 4 at 3 p.m. at St. Kevin Church in Warwick, and then continues on Saturday, December 10 at 7:30 p.m. at the St. Ann Arts & Cultural Center in Woonsocket, with a final performance on Sunday, December 11 at 7:30 p.m. at the URI Fine Arts Center in Kingston.

The WSO’s Holiday Series is the second in a sequence of four programs honoring the 50-year history of the group, now under the direction of Music Director Catherine Gagnon. The WSO is the oldest continuously performing regional orchestra of volunteer musicians in the Ocean State.

Founded by Warwick music educator George Low in 1966, its performances throughout the state of classical and pop music have grown in popularity and respect as dedicated professional and amateur musicians have joined its ranks.

December’s holiday season program features selections from Handel’s Messiah, music from “The Polar Express,” the classic Russian Christmas Music, other seasonal arrangements, and the world premiere of “Now Winter Knights” by Michael Kregler.

Kregler, a Warwick resident, currently serves as faculty accompanist and lecturer at Providence College. He has a reputation for being adept in the fields of jazz, opera, choral music, popular music, and others. His three part choral work, “Now Winter Nights”, reflects this musical and cultural diversity, from the poetry of Edna St. Vincent Tickets and additional information are available online at www.WSOri.org or at-the-door; general admission for this collaborative series is $15 per person, seniors $12, and children under 12 are free.