A legacy in harmony: Jefferson Johnson leads his final ‘Collage’

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 3, 2025) — For nearly three decades, “Collage: A Holiday Spectacular” has been a cherished tradition at the University of Kentucky, drawing families, alumni and community members into a musical celebration that marks the beginning of the holiday season in Central Kentucky. This year, however, carries special meaning: it is the final Collage under the direction of Jefferson Johnson, D.M.A., Endowed Professor of Choral Studies and director of choral activities at UK.

Performances for the sold out show will be Dec. 6-7 at the Singletary Center for the Arts. Because there are no seats left at any of the three performances, the College of Fine Arts is livestreaming the 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7 performance.

Johnson’s vision has shaped the production from a single concert in 1998 into the beloved, multi-show event that audiences look forward to each December.

When “Collage” began, it started small with just one performance and a spark of holiday inspiration. Johnson traces the idea back to his time teaching in Michigan, where he saw a college production presented without applause breaks. The continuous, flowing structure of that production left a lasting impact on him.

“That experience really blew me away,” said Johnson. “I knew from my own work that audiences always love Christmas music, so combining the seamless format with holiday repertoire was an easy decision.”

What began as an experiment became an instant holiday tradition for the UK School of Music. A second show was added, then a third. For the past 15 years, every performance has sold out, sometimes weeks in advance, a testament to the deep connection “Collage” has built within the campus and also in Central Kentucky communities.

Johnson said that he will always remember the energy and enthusiasm that 300-plus students bring to the performance each year.

“That youthful vitality and level of commitment never gets old,” he said.

During a “UK at the Half” segment last year, Johnson shared with UKNow that the growth of “Collage” has been fueled largely by word of mouth.

“After 27 years, this event is still growing, which is amazing to me,” Johnson said in the November 2024 interview. “People tell us every year that, ‘Oh, this year I brought my whole family,’ and then the next year they'll come back and they'll say, ‘Well, this year I brought my whole extended family,’ and then the next year they come back and say, ‘Well, we brought our extended family and my neighbors extended family as well.’ And so it's just the word of mouth that just keeps spreading about ‘Collage’ and it's just getting bigger and bigger.”

Today, “Collage” features around 350 performers, including the UK Chorale, UK Men’s Chorus, UK Women’s Choir, a cappella groups, faculty ensembles, community guests and instrumental ensembles. Preparation begins early each fall semester.

“It’s a little funny to start singing Christmas carols in October,” said Johnson. “But the arrangements are challenging and intricate, and that’s what makes the final product so rewarding.”

Johnson said the heart of “Collage” lies in its creative range. From classical choral works to gospel, jazz, international carols and contemporary favorites, the show’s rich variety of musical styles is part of what keeps audiences returning year after year.

“We always strive to leave the audience “wanting more,” he said. “We also want each person to leave the concert feeling better than they did when they entered.”

Ben Arnold, Ph.D., director of the UK School of Music, notes that Johnson’s artistic vision has shaped not only this particular holiday tradition, but the musical life of the university.

“Dr. Johnson, known affectionately to students as ‘Dr. J,’ envisioned and created ‘Collage’ early in his tenure at UK, crafting a program of beautiful holiday favorites performed by celebrated vocalists and musicians from the School of Music and The Lexington Singers Children’s Choir,” Arnold said. “It has become a holiday tradition for thousands of Central Kentucky music lovers.”

Arnold added that while this year marks Johnson’s final “Collage” and his 33rd year at UK, his farewell season will continue with thrilling concerts this spring, culminating in a performance of Johannes Brahms’ “A German Requiem” April 24, 2026, featuring the combined talents of the UK choirs and orchestra and The Lexington Singers.

Beyond the annual magic of “Collage,” Johnson’s influence reaches every corner of the School of Music. He has shaped generations of student musicians through mentorship, artistic leadership and a belief in the power of choral music to build community. Under his direction, UK Choirs has grown in both size and national reputation, earning awards and recognition that have elevated the program’s profile across the country. His work has also strengthened musical partnerships across campus and Lexington, reinforcing UK’s role as a cultural leader in the region.

As Johnson enters his final season of “Collage,” he does so with deep gratitude for the students, faculty and community who have helped shape this beloved tradition. He was reflective about the performance’s place among Central Kentucky holiday traditions, and the audiences that, like his students, have grown and changed over the years.

“I feel very grateful that this event has become a holiday tradition for so many families. It's been rewarding to see how ‘Collage’ has brightened the season for thousands of folks throughout our region,” Johnson said. “I'm very excited to see what new offerings are in store for ‘Collage,’ and how it will continue to grow in the future.”  

“Collage: A Holiday Spectacular” has grown into a legacy of joy, artistry and musical connection. This year’s performances honor not just the start of the holiday season, but the lasting impact of the musician who created and shaped it.