Kiera Duffy will be a soprano soloist in the performance of Handel's "Messiah."

A piece from "The Athlete and the Artist."

Meredith Nicholson, Hoosier author and the subject of a discussion at the Indiana History Center.

1. Handel's Messiah

7:30 p.m. Dec. 15, $10-$25, Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul, 1347 N. Meridian St., (317) 940-9607, www.icomusic.org.

It took a depressed and debt-ridden George Frideric Handel 24 days to compose "Messiah," and the result was so breathtakingly beautiful that it became one of the most renowned pieces in the entire Western choral canon.

The Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra will perform the famous oratorio for the 17th consecutive year this week. Accompanying it in the performance will be the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir and soloists Kiera Duffy (soprano), Jennifer Lane (mezzo-soprano), Brian Stucki (tenor) and Thomas Scurich (bass-baritone).

2. 2007 Annual Student Show Opening Reception

6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 14, free, Indianapolis Art Center, 820 E. 62nd St., (317) 255-2464, 8www.indplsartcenter.org.

Still struggling to find a one-of-a-kind Christmas gift for a close friend or loved one? Don't rule out the possibility of finding something just right at the popular annual Student Show at the Indianapolis Art Center. This juried exhibition showcases the best work by Art Center students of all ages and skill levels. In addition to the art show, attendees can also hit the Basile Studio Shop -- another great spot for holiday shopping.

3. 'The Athlete and the Artist'

8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, call ahead for weekend visits, Dec. 14 through March 14, free, Nationalm Art Museum of Sport at University Place, IUPUI, (317) 274-3627.

The worlds of art and sport converge in this exhibit, which features 25 pieces by winners of a competition sponsored by the National Art Museum of Sport for the Art Students League of New York. Among the pieces on display are six sculptures (including a larger-than-life bronze head of Joe Louis), two pencil drawings and various paintings.

The Art Students League of New York was founded in 1875, and has been a fertile breeding ground for nationally recognized artists, including Indiana-born Merrit Chase.

4. Meredith Nicholson: A Writing Life

Noon to 1 p.m. Dec. 19, free, Indiana History Center, 450 W. Ohio St., (317) 232-1882, www.indianahistory.org.

Most people are familiar with Hoosier-born writers Booth Tarkington and James Whitcomb Riley. But when discussing the state's great literary figures, Meredith Nicholson also deserves to be in the conversation. Find out why at this lecture, where historian Ralph Gray will discuss Nicholson's storied life as a difference-making author, diplomat and lecturer.

5. IMA Salon: Plutarch's 'Makers of Rome: Nine Lives'

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Dec. 13, free, Dec. 7-8, free, (317) 923-1331, www.imamuseum.org.

The American founding fathers were greatly influenced by the founders of Rome. Much of that influence can be traced to the writings of the Greek historian Plutarch, who, it turns out, often fudged historical facts for the sake of drama and moral instruction. Find out how Plutarch's interpretation of Roman history has affected America as we now know it at this informal group discussion. The book "Makers of Rome: Nine Lives," will be used as a reference for discussion, and will be for sale at the IMA Store.