The Androscoggin Chorale offers the gift of holiday music in two concerts with guest artists the Blue Hill Brass Quintet and the Auburn Methodist Ringers.

The first performance will take place in South Paris at the First Congregational Church off Market Square on Saturday evening, Dec. 10, at 7:30. Next day, the concert will be repeated in Lewiston’s Franco-American Heritage Center at 3 p.m.

In addition to many familiar and touching traditional works, several surprises are on the program. For example, “Ringeltaenze” (ring or bell dances) by American composer Libby Larsen sets six old French carols for handbell ensemble, chorus and piano. The Auburn Methodist Ringers, the handbell choir from the United Methodist Church of Auburn directed by William Buzza, will accompany the Androscoggin Chorale in that set, and they will also entertain the audience with a solo performance.

The Blue Hill Brass Quintet, which has performed throughout New England for more than 20 years, specializes in having fun while deliver top-flight sounds from their chosen instruments, whether playing a formal concert or a country fair. The group’s members have played with the foremost musical ensembles in the state including the Portland Symphony Orchestra, the Bangor Symphony Orchestra, the Al Corey Orchestra and the Maine Chamber Ensemble.

The quintet will accompany the chorale for traditional carols and will perform alone.

Tickets are available at Hannaford and Shaws supermarkets in L-A; Mr. Paperback and Nellie’s Music in Lewiston; and Hannaford’s and Books-n-Things in Oxford; or from the Maine Music Society’s office at 782-1403 or [email protected]. Advance tickets: $15/$14 for seniors; $17.50 at the door; students half-price; children 12 and under free when accompanied by an adult.