What started as a last-minute concert substitution created a musical duo that has been performing off and on for over 10 years. Duo pianists Sean Foster and Bridget Hille will bring their four-hand piano Christmas concert entitled “Sleigh Ride Fantasy” to Sterling at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 4 in the Mabee Library music space.

Foster, who is Choir Director at Sterling College, started playing four-hand piano with his friend Bridget Hille, Wichita over 10 years ago. The two met while Foster was studying music in Wichita. Before coming to Sterling, Foster accompanied choirs and gave music lessons in Wichita and Kansas City. Hille is a collaborative pianist and heads the Accompanists Guild in Wichita.

Foster said, “What started as an emergency fix to get through a concert has turned into something that we loved, as have our audiences, so we started performing together more regularly.”

The duo will be performing arrangements of Christmas carols and songs, including the favorite “Sleigh Ride.” The seasonal concert will also include settings of “Joy to the World,” “The First Noel,” and “Carol of the Bells.” Foster said, “All the pieces are based on well-known carols, hymns, and songs. We will be playing multiple styles of music, including arrangements rooted in jazz and classical. We love this music and are excited to share it with the audience.”

The concert will be less than an hour in length and is free of charge. There will be limited seating available.