December calendar

Classical performances in and around Richmond, with selected events elsewhere in Virginia and the Washington area. Program information, provided by presenters, is updated as details become available. Adult ticket prices are listed; senior, student/youth, military, group and other discounts may be offered.

Each listing includes primary Covid-19 safety protocols for the event. Contact presenters or venues for detailed requirements.

Dec. 1 (7:30 p.m.)
Camp Concert Hall, Modlin Arts Center, University of Richmond
UR Symphony Orchestra
Alexander Kordzaia conducting
Matthew Robinson, violin
Rilyn McKallip, flute
program TBA
free (ticket registration required)
masks required
(804) 289-8980
http://modlin.richmond.edu/events

Dec. 1 (7:30 p.m.)
Terrace Theater, Kennedy Center, Washington
Young Concert Artists:
William Socolof, bass-baritone
pianist TBA
Ibert: “Quatre chansons de Don Quichotte”
Robert Owens: “Die Nacht,” “Morgendämmerung”
Schubert: “Schwanengesang” (selections)
Leaha Maria Villareal: “Crossing the Rubicon”
Debussy: “Trois chansons de Bilitis”
Joel Engel: “Jewish Folksongs” (selections)
Mahler: “Urlicht”
Matthew Aucoin: “Three Whitman Songs”
$20-$40
proof of vaccination, photo ID & masks required
(800) 444-1324
http://kennedy-center.org

Dec. 2 (7:30 p.m.)
Ferguson Arts Center, Christopher Newport University, Newport News
Dec. 3 (7:30 p.m.)
Chrysler Hall, 215 St. Paul’s Boulevard, Norfolk
Dec. 5 (7:30 p.m.)
Sandler Arts Center, 201 S. Market St., Virginia Beach
Virginia Symphony Orchestra
Eric Jacobsen conducting
Branford Marsalis, saxophone
Mozart: “The Marriage of Figaro” Overture
Mahler: Symphony No. 2 in C minor (“Resurrection”) – “Urlicht”
Sally Beamish: “Under the Wing of the Rock”
Mahler: “Ich bin der Welt abhanden gekommen”
Brahms: Symphony No. 2 in D major
Beamish: “The Imagined Sound of Sun on Stone” (Dec. 5 only)
$25-$110 (Dec. 3 sold out)
masks required
(757) 892-6366
http://virginiasymphony.org

Dec. 2 (7 p.m.)
Dec. 3 (8 p.m.)
Dec. 4 (8 p.m.)
Kennedy Center Concert Hall, Washington
National Symphony Orchestra
Gianandrea Noseda conducting
Mozart: “The Magic Flute” Overture
Mozart: Concert aria, “Per questa bella mano”
Christian Simmons, bass
Robert Oppelt, double-bass
Mozart: “La Clemenza di Tito” Overture
Mozart: Clarinet Concerto in A major, K. 622
Lin Ma, clarinet
Mozart: Cantata, “Eine kleine Freimauer”
Mozart: Requiem
Mozart: “Ave verum corpus”
Suzannah Waddington, soprano
Hannah Shea, mezzo-soprano
Duke Kim & Matthew Pearce, tenors
Christian Simmons, bass
University of Maryland Concert Choir
Bill Barclay, narrator
$29-$104
proof of vaccination, photo ID & masks required
(800) 444-1324
http://kennedy-center.org

Dec. 3 (7 p.m.)
Dec. 5 (2 p.m.)
Firehouse Theater, 1609 W. Broad St., Richmond
RVA Baroque
P.J. Freebourn directing
Niccolo & Raphael Seligmann: “Julie Monster: a Queer Baroque Opera” (premiere)
Jaylin Brown (Julie)
Bryanna Batts (Boy Soprano, Wayfarer, announcer)
James Brown (King, waiter)
Diana Carver (Priest)
Valerie Chinn (Madame Bortigali, Messenger [Jeannne], entertainer)
Ambrose Oisín Clark (Thevenard, Arrogant 3)
Keydron Dunn (Gaultier, Valmalette, Constable 2)
Earl Fleming (Christmas Snow) (Party Dowager Empress)
Jarene Fleming (Priest’s Conscience, landlady)
Erin Foster (Arrogant Man, Constable 1, Jacquet)
Tim Herrmann (Corbetta, Julie’s Maid, entertainer, Arrogant 2, bodyguard)
James Lynn (Dr. Bortigali, Entertainer 2)
Levi Meerovich (Serannes)
Lindy Porkorny (Missy)
Kenneth Putnam (Buzzy)
Paige Reisenfeld (Cecilia)
DeVonté Saunders (Luynes)
Margaret Taylor-Woods (Marie-Therese)
live performances sold out
proof of vaccination & masks required
$30 (online live stream)
(804) 355-2001 (Firehouse Theater)
http://rvabaroque.org/julie%2C-monster

Dec. 3 (8 p.m.)
Old Cabell Hall, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
Dec. 11 (8 p.m.)
University Baptist Church, 1223 W. Main St., Charlottesville
Virginia Glee Club
Frank Albinder directing
Daniel Hine, piano
81st annual Christmas Concerts
program TBA
$5-$20
masks required
(434) 924-3376
http://music.virginia.edu/events

Dec. 3 (8 p.m.)
Dec. 4 (3:30 p.m.)
University Chapel, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
Virginia Women’s Chorus
Katherine (“KaeRenae”) Mitchell directing
Anastasia Jellison, harp
38th annual Candlelight Concerts
Britten: “A Ceremony of Carols”
other seasonal works TBA
$7-$20
masks required
(434) 924-3376
http://music.virginia.edu/events

Dec. 3 (7:30 p.m.)
Salem Civic Center, 1001 Roanoke Boulevard
Roanoke Symphony Orchestra & Chorus
Roanoke Valley Children’s Choir
David Stewart Wiley conducting
other artists TBA
“Holiday Pops Spectacular”
program TBA
$32-$65
masks required
(540) 343-9127
http://rso.com

Dec. 4 (7:30 p.m.)
Carpenter Theatre, Dominion Energy Center, Sixth and Grace streets, Richmond
Richmond Symphony
Chia-Hsuan Lin conducting
“A Baroque Holiday”
Handel: “Messiah” (excerpts)
Mozart: “Ave verum corpus”
Vivaldi: Gloria (excerpt)
J.S. Bach: Cantata, “Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben,” BWV 147 (excerpt)
Richmond Symphony Chorus
Antonio Rosetti: Concerto for horn, trombone and orchestra
Dominic Rotella, French horn
Evan Williams, trombone
J.S. Bach: Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D major, BWV 1068 (excerpts)
Handel: “Water Music” (excerpt)
Handel: “Royal Fireworks Music” (excerpt)
Gluck: “Orfeo ed Euridice” – “Dance of the Blessed Spirits” (Felix Mottl arrangement)
proof of vaccination or negative test result, photo ID & masks required
$18-$54
(800) 514-3849 (ETIX)
http://www.richmondsymphony.com

Dec. 4 (1:30 & 3 p.m.)
Dec. 5 (1:30 & 3 p.m.)
Kimball Theatre, Merchants Square, Williamsburg
Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra
Erin Freeman conducting
Holiday Pops
program TBA
$15-$30
masks required
(757) 229-9857
http://williamsburgsymphony.org

Dec. 4 (8 p.m.)
Dec. 5 (3:30 p.m.)
Old Cabell Hall, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
Charlottesville Symphony at the University of Virginia
UVa University Singers
Michael Slon conducting
“Family Holiday Concerts”
works TBA by Handel, Corelli, Vaughan Williams, Leroy Anderson, others
$10-$47
masks required
(434) 924-3376
http://music.virginia.edu/events

Dec. 4 (7:30 p.m.)
Academy of the Arts Historic Theater, 600 Main St., Lynchburg
Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra
David Glover conducting
guest artists TBA
“Happy Holidays”
program TBA
$6-$75
masks required
(434) 846-8499
http://lynchburgsymphony.org/events-concerts/

Dec. 4 (3:30 p.m.)
Merchant Hall, Hylton Arts Center, George Mason University, Manassas
Manassas Symphony Orchestra
James Villani conducting
“Family Concert: Color and Light”
Charles Tomlinson Griffes: Poem
Irina Lin, flute
Jonathan Romeo: “Light”
music and light-show finale
proof of vaccination or negative test result & masks required
$20
(888) 945-2468 (Tickets.com)
http://hyltoncenter.org

Dec. 5 (2:30 p.m.)
River Road Church, Baptist, River and Ridge roads, Richmond
Raymond & Elizabeth Chenault, organ duo
Christmas-themed program TBA
free (tickets required)
masks recommended
online live stream accessible
(804) 288-1131
http://rrcb.org

Dec. 6 (11 a.m.)
Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Laurel Street at Floyd Avenue, Richmond
Forgotten Clefs: Renaissance Wind Ensemble
“Prophecy|Nativity”
texts from Part 1 (Christmas portion) of Handel’s “Messiah” with works by 16th-century composers TBA
audience sing-along of Christmas carols
free (ticket registration required)
masks recommended
(804) 359-5651
http://richmondcathedral.org

Dec. 6 (7:30 p.m.)
Kaufman Theater, Chrysler Museum of Art, 1 Memorial Place, Norfolk
Feldman Chamber Music Society:
Horszowski Trio
Dvořák: Piano Trio in E minor, Op. 90 (“Dumky”)
Debussy: Piano Trio in G major
Arno Babajanian: Piano Trio in F sharp minor
$25
masks required
(757) 552-1630
http://feldmanchambermusic.org

Dec. 7 (8 p.m.)
Williamsburg Library Theater, 515 Scotland St.
Chamber Music Society of Williamsburg:
Horszowski Trio
Dvořák: Piano Trio in E minor, Op. 90 (“Dumky”)
Debussy: Piano Trio in G major
Arno Babajanian: Piano Trio in F sharp minor
$25
masks required
(757) 741-3300 (Williamsburg Regional Library)
http://chambermusicwilliamsburg.org

Dec. 7 (7:30 p.m.)
Terrace Theater, Kennedy Center, Washington
Washington National Opera Marian Anderson Vocal Award recital:
Frederick Ballentine, tenor
Kunal Lahiry, piano
program TBA
$39
proof of vaccination, photo ID & masks required
(800) 444-1324
http://kennedy-center.org

Dec. 8 (7:30 p.m.)
The Anthem, 901 Wharf St. SW, Washington
National Symphony Orchestra
Emil de Cou conducting
Dupont Brass
“Ugly Sweater Holiday Concert”
program TBA
$15-$30
proof of vaccination, photo ID & masks required
(202) 467-4600 (Instant Charge)
http://kennedy-center.org

Dec. 9 (7:30 p.m.)
Dec. 11 (2 & 8 p.m.)
Kennedy Center Concert Hall, Washington
National Symphony Orchestra Pops
Steven Reineke conducting
Ingrid Michaelson, guest star
“Notes of Honor: NSO Salutes the Military”
holiday program TBA
$29-$119
proof of vaccination, photo ID & masks required
(800) 444-1324
http://kennedy-center.org

Dec. 10 (6 p.m.)
Meadow Park, Meadow Street at Park Avenue, Richmond
Fan Grande Illumination & Garden Tour:
Greater Richmond Children’s Choirs
Crystal Jonkman directing
holiday program TBA
free
masks recommended
(804) 201-1894
http://www.grcchoir.org/performances

Dec. 10 (7 p.m.)
Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Laurel Street at Floyd Avenue, Richmond
Cathedral Schola Cantorum
Daniel Sañez, organ & direction
Advent Lessons and Carols
free (registration required)
donations benefit Ryan White Program of Capital Area Health Network
masks recommended
(804) 359-5651
http://richmondcathedral.org

Dec. 10 (7:30 p.m.)
Grace Baptist Church, 4200 Dover Road, Richmond
Dec. 12 (3 p.m.)
Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church, Henry Street at College Avenue, Ashland
Central Virginia Masterworks Chorale
Ryan Tibbetts directing
Daniel Stipe, organ
Handel: “Messiah” – Part 1 (Christmas portion)
Cecilia McDowall: “A Winter’s Night”
$15
masks recommended
(800) 838-3006
http://cvamc.org

Dec. 10 (7:30 p.m.)
Ferguson Arts Center, Christopher Newport University, Newport News
Dec. 11 (7:30 p.m.)
Harrison Opera House, 160 E. Virginia Beach Boulevard, Norfolk
Dec. 12 (7 p.m.)
Sandler Arts Center, 201 S. Market St., Virginia Beach
Virginia Symphony Orchestra Pops & Chorus
Robert Shoup conducting
Holiday Pops
program TBA
$25-$110
masks required
(757) 892-6366
http://virginiasymphony.org

Dec. 10 (7 p.m.)
Cave Spring United Methodist Church, 4205 Hazel Drive, Roanoke
Roanoke Symphony Orchestra brass
Jay Crone directing
“Holiday Brass”
program TBA
$35-$52
masks required
(540) 343-9127
http://rso.com

Dec. 10 (8 p.m.)
Merchant Hall, Hylton Arts Center, George Mason University, Manassas
American Festival Pops Orchestra
Anthony Maiello conducting
“Holiday Pops: Songs of the Season”
program TBA
proof of vaccination or negative test result & masks required
$41-$65
(888) 945-2468 (Tickets.com)
http://hyltoncenter.org

Dec. 11 (2 & 7 p.m.)
Dec. 12 (1 & 4:30 p.m.)
Dec. 18 (2 & 7 p.m.)
Dec. 19 (1 & 4:30 p.m.)
Dec. 22 (7 p.m.)
Dec. 23 (2 p.m.)
Carpenter Theatre, Dominion Energy Center, Sixth and Grace streets, Richmond
Richmond Ballet
Richmond Symphony
conductor TBA
Tchaikovsky: “The Nutcracker”
$25-$125
proof of vaccination or negative test result, photo ID & masks required
(804) 334-0906
http://richmondballet.com

Dec. 11 (8 p.m.)
Dec. 12 (2 p.m.)
Forbes Arts Center, James Madison University, Harrisonburg
JMU music ensembles
“Holiday Fest: Winter Solstice”
program TBA
$23
masks required
(540) 568-7000
http://jmuforbescenter.com/events/2021/

Dec. 11 (3 p.m.)
Garth Newel Music Center, off Route 220 between Warm Springs & Hot Springs, Bath County
Jeannette Fang & Jeremy Thompson, piano duo
Mozart: Sonata in D major, K. 448
Amy Beach: “Suite Founded on Old Irish Melodies,” Op. 104
Rachmaninoff: Suite No. 2, Op. 17
$25-$80
masks recommended
$10 (online live stream)
(540) 839-5018
http://garthnewel.org

Dec. 11 (7:30 p.m.)
Merchant Hall, Hylton Arts Center, George Mason University, Manassas
Manassas Chorale & orchestra
Rebecca Verner directing
“Sing Gloria!”
holiday program TBA
proof of vaccination or negative test result & masks required
$23-$25
(888) 945-2468 (Tickets.com)
http://hyltoncenter.org

Dec. 11 (8 p.m.)
Center for the Arts, George Mason University, Fairfax
American Festival Pops Orchestra
Anthony Maiello conducting
“Holiday Pops: Songs of the Season”
program TBA
$36-$60
proof of vaccination or negative test result & masks required
(703) 993-2787
http://cfa.gmu.edu

Dec. 12 (4 p.m.)
Trinity Lutheran Church, 2315 N. Parham Road, Richmond
Richmond Choral Society
Markus Compton directing
Christopher Martin, organ
David Schwoebel, piano
“Christmas with the Richmond Choral Society”
program TBA
$10-$15 (live attendance)
proof of vaccination or negative test result, photo ID & masks required
$10 (online stream)
(804) 353-9582
http://richmondchoralsociety.org

Dec. 12 (4 p.m.)
Bon Air Presbyterian Church, 9201 W. Huguenot Road, Richmond
Second Sunday South of the James:
chamber orchestra
Anne Carr Regan conducting
Stephen Henley, organ
Zarah Brock, soprano
Ellen Brone, mezzo-soprano
Vonte Saunders, tenor
Alan Chavez, bass
Handel: “Messiah” (audience sing-in)
rehearsal, 1 p.m. Dec. 11
donation requested
masks required (singers included)
(804) 272-7514
http://bonairpc.org/wp/2021/07/31/2021-sssj-fall-season/

Dec. 12 (4 p.m.)
First Presbyterian Church, 4602 Cary Street Road, Richmond
First Presbyterian Chancel Choir
Festival Orchestra
Jason N. Brown conducting
Bruce Stevens, organ
Saint-Saëns: “Oratorio de Noël”
Christmas carol sing-along
free
masks recommended
(804) 358-2383
http://fpcrichmond.org/

Dec. 12 (4 p.m.)
Monroe Park, Franklin and Belvidere streets, Richmond
Greater Richmond Children’s Choirs
Crystal Jonkman directing
Grace & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church Choir
Elizabeth Melcher Davis directing
other choirs TBA
“Caroling in the Park”
free
masks recommended
(804) 201-1894
http://www.grcchoir.org/performances

Dec. 12 (7:15 p.m.)
River Road Church, Baptist, River and Ridge roads, Richmond
River Road Chancel Choir
Robert Gallagher directing
Service of Lessons and Carols
works TBA by Harold W. Friedell, Hugo Distler, Mary Beth Bennett, Will Todd, John Rutter, Mack Wilberg
free (tickets required)
masks recommended
online live stream accessible
(804) 288-1131
http://rrcb.org

Dec. 12 (3 p.m.)
Sandler Arts Center, 201 S. Market St., Virginia Beach
Virginia Symphony Orchestra
Robert Shoup conducting
“Jingle Bell Jam”
family program TBA
$12-$22
masks required
(757) 892-6366
http://virginiasymphony.org

Dec. 12 (2 p.m.)
Terrace Theater, Kennedy Center, Washington
Tiffany Poon, piano
Robert Schumann: “Kinderszenen,” Op. 15
Robert Schumann: Arabeske, Op. 18
Clara Wieck Schumann: Sonata in G minor
Clara Wieck Schumann: “Soirées Musicales,” Op. 6, Nos. 2, 3, 5
Robert Schumann: “Davidsbündlertänze,” Op. 6
$40
proof of vaccination, photo ID & masks required
(202) 785-9727 (Washington Performing Arts)
http://washingtonperformingarts.org

Dec. 14 (7:30 p.m.)
Shaftman Performance Hall, Jefferson Center, 541 Luck Ave., Roanoke
Roanoke Symphony Orchestra
RSO Virtuosi
David Stewart Wiley conducting
Handel: “Messiah” – Part 1 (Christmas portion) & “Hallelujah”
$28-$56
proof of vaccination or negative test result & masks required
(540) 343-9127
http://rso.com

Dec. 15 (7:30 p.m.)
St. Bede Catholic Church, 3686 Ironbound Road, Williamsburg
Dec. 16 (7 p.m.)
Chesapeake Conference Center, 700 Conference Center Drive
Dec. 17 (7:30 p.m.)
Suffolk Arts Center, 110 W. Finley Ave.
Virginia Symphony Orchestra brass & percussion
“Holiday Brass”
program TBA
$25-$54 (Dec. 16 free)
masks required
(757) 892-6366
http://virginiasymphony.org

Dec. 16 (7:30 p.m.)
Regent University Theater, Virginia Beach
Dec. 17 (7:30 p.m.)
First Baptist Church, 12716 Warwick Boulevard, Newport News
Dec. 18 (7:30 p.m.)
Harrison Opera House, 160 E. Virginia Beach Boulevard, Norfolk
Virginia Symphony Orchestra & Chorus
Don McCullough conducting
Handel: “Messiah” – Part 1 (Christmas portion) & “Hallelujah”
Vanessa Becerra, soprano
Sarah Mesko, mezzo soprano
Jonathan Hill, tenor
Aleksey Bogdanov, baritone
$25-$110
masks required
(757) 892-6366
http://virginiasymphony.org

Dec. 16 (7 p.m.)
Dec. 17 (8 p.m.)
Dec. 18 (8 p.m.)
Dec. 19 (1 p.m.)
Kennedy Center Concert Hall, Washington
National Symphony Orchestra
Gianandrea Noseda conducting
Handel: “Messiah” – Part 1 (Christmas portion)
J.S. Bach: Magnificat in D major, BWV 243
Suzannah Waddington, soprano (Handel & Bach)
Katerina Burton, soprano (Bach)
Rehanna Thelwell, alto
Duke Kim, tenor
William Meinert, bass
University of Maryland Concert Choir
$15-$99
proof of vaccination, photo ID & masks required
(800) 444-1324
http://kennedy-center.org

Dec. 18 (8 p.m.)
Gallery 5, 200 W. Marshall St., Richmond
Classical Revolution RVA
“Listen Local”
works TBA by Colton Dodd, David Robbins, Curt Sydnor, Donovan Williams
donation requested
masks required
(804) 678-8863 (Gallery 5)
http://www.classicalrevolutionrva.com/events

Dec. 18 (2:30 & 7:30 p.m.)
Paramount Theater, 215 E. Main St., Charlottesville
Oratorio Society of Virginia
Michael Slon directing
“Christmas at the Paramount”
Vivaldi: Gloria
Rachmaninoff: “All-Night Vigil”
works TBA by Adolphus Hailstork, Abbie Betinis, others
$10-$52
proof of vaccination or negative test result & masks required
(434) 979-1333
http://theparamount.net

Dec. 18 (4 p.m.)
Dec. 19 (4 p.m.)
Center for the Arts, George Mason University, Fairfax
Fairfax Ballet
Fairfax Symphony Orchestra
Christopher Zimmerman conducting
Tchaikovsky: “The Nutcracker”
$54-$94
proof of vaccination or negative test result & masks required
(703) 993-2787
http://cfa.gmu.edu

Dec. 18 (2 p.m.)
Dec. 24 (11 a.m.)
Kennedy Center Concert Hall, Washington
Choral Arts Society
Scott Tucker directing
“A Family Christmas”
program TBA
$20-$45
proof of vaccination (negative test result for children), photo ID & masks required
(800) 444-1324
http://kennedy-center.org

Dec. 19 (8 p.m.)
The Loft at the HofGarden, 2818 W. Broad St., Richmond
Classical Revolution RVA
“Classical Incarnations”
program TBA
donation requested
masks required
(804) 424-3303 (HofGarden)
http://www.classicalrevolutionrva.com/events

Dec. 19 (7 p.m.)
Dec. 21 (7 p.m.)
Dec. 22 (3 & 7:30 p.m.)
Kennedy Center Concert Hall, Washington
The Washington Chorus
Eugene Rogers directing
“A Candlelight Christmas”
program TBA
$15-$101
proof of vaccination, photo ID & masks required
(800) 444-1324
http://kennedy-center.org

Dec. 20 (7 p.m.)
Dec. 24 (2 p.m.)
Kennedy Center Concert Hall, Washington
Choral Arts Society Symphonic Chorus & Youth Choir
Scott Tucker directing
Christmas program TBA
$15-$72
proof of vaccination, photo ID & masks required
(800) 444-1324
http://kennedy-center.org

Dec. 23 (7:30 p.m.)
Capital One Hall, 7750 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons
National Philharmonic & Chorale
Stan Engebretson conducting
Handel: “Messiah”
Suzanne Karpov, soprano
Magdelena Wor, mezzo-soprano
Matthew Smith, tenor
Brandon Hendrickson, baritone
$45-$99
proof of vaccination or negative test result & masks required
(800) 653-8000 (Ticketmaster)
http://capitalonehall.com/events