LEWISTON — Down East Singers, directed by Anthony Antolini, will perform “Noel Francais,” a tribute to Maine’s French cultural heritage in a cornucopia of Christmas choral works, on Friday, Dec. 9, at the Franco-American Heritage Center.

The program will include Christmas carols (sung in French) from Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and France, some for audience singalongs. Many are familiar to American audiences in their English translations such as “Angels we have heard on high,” and “O Holy Night.”

The featured work will be Francis Poulenc’s rollicking “Gloria,” with soprano soloist Christina Astrachan, written in 1959 and premiered in Boston. At first considered scandalous and irreverent, it has become the most performed French concert work, second only to Ravel’s “Bolero.”

Maine folk group Ti’Acadie will provide accompaniment and share the stage with the Down East Singers, performing Acadian, Cajun and French-Canadian Christmas tunes.

Also performing will be Down East’s Core Choir, a 16-voice auditioned group, presenting “Ubi caritas,” by French composer Maurice Durufle; “Cantique de Noel,” by Adolphe Adam, with soprano soloist Christina Astrachan; and “La Vierge a la Creche,” by Cesar Franck, with soprano soloists Annie Brady and Emily Bragg.

Also featured will be pianist Jennifer McIvor, now in her second season as the ensemble’s accompanist.

The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Franco center at 46 Cedar St. Tickets are $15; free to students 18 and younger. Tickets may be purchased by calling 236-8328, from members of Down East Singers or at the door. For more information about the group, visit www.downeastsingers.org.

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