Month: December 2023

Transplanting a fine old Central European tradition: A New Year’s Eve performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony – here, the legendary 1958 recording by the Berlin Philharmonic, conducted by Ferenc Fricsay – along with another work from Beethoven’s last years, “The Consecration of the House” Overture, and another choral symphony in all but name, Joseph Haydn’s “Nelson Mass,” which in some respects pre-echoes the Ninth.

7-9 p.m. EST
2200-0000 UTC/GMT
WDCE, University of Richmond
90.1 FM
http://wdce.org

Beethoven: “The Consecration of the House” Overture
Swedish Chamber Orchestra Örebro/Thomas Dausgaard
(Simax Classics)

Haydn: Mass in D minor (“Nelson Mass”)
Susan Gritton, soprano
Pamela Helen Stephen, mezzo-soprano
Mark Padmore, tenor
Stephen Varcoe, baritone
Collegium Musicum 90/Richard Hickox
(Chandos)

Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 in D minor (“Choral”)
Irmgard Seefried, soprano
Maureen Forrester, mezzo-soprano
Ernst Haefliger, tenor
Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, baritone
Choir of St. Hedwig Cathedral, Berlin
Berlin Philharmonic/Ferenc Fricsay
(Deutsche Grammophon)

“Give Good Gifts” is Letter V’s traditional Christmas Eve offering. This 19th-century Shaker hymn is not a Christmas carol per se, but a song for all seasons and spiritual inclinations. Its admonition, “peace, joy and comfort, gladly bestow,” is always timely, especially so in times of anxiety and conflict.

The performers are the Pro Arte Singers, led by Paul Hillier. If you’d like to sing along, the lyrics are below the link:

Give good gifts, one to another,
Peace, joy and comfort, gladly bestow;
Harbor no ill ’gainst sister or brother,
Smoothe life’s journey as you onward go.

Broad as the sunshine, free as the showers,
So shed an influence blessing to prove;
Give for the noblest of efforts your powers,
Blest and be blest, is the law of love.

“If someone asks for a recommendation – for the holidays, or for music in New York in general,” writes Zachary Woolfe, The New York Times’ music critic, “my answer is the same as it’s been for years: Trinity’s ‘Messiah.’ ”

Here it is:

On the classical website Slipped Disc, Christopher Morley, longtime music critic of Britain’s Birmingham Post, takes several big bites out of a new mission statement by the management of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, aiming to make the concertgoing experience more inclusive, immersive . . . and other trendy I-words.

The mission will be put into practice with innovations (another I-word!) such as “theatrical and creative techniques including lighting, movement, staging, live video mix and elements of movement, to allow audiences to use their eyes as well as their ears” – i.e., turning a listening experience into a stage show.

This, plus wear-what-you-like, applaud-when-you-choose, and other do-your-own-things that Morley characterizes as “removal of any perceived ‘rules’ of a traditional concert,” are efforts to make the orchestra attractive to those who feel constrained or alienated by hoary symphony-hall decorum, or aren’t into classical music unless it’s in a film soundtrack or otherwise visually enhanced.

Ditching decorum and adding visual stimulation, it’s thought, will entice non-traditional or under-served music consumers – especially younger people.

Regarding the pursuit of younger customers, Morley offers a reality check: “Audiences evolve as their life evolves. We go to concerts as students, then we marry and raise families, and those exigencies prevent us from attending concerts. As we get older, and family and financial responsibilities get easier, then we return to the concert hall. That is how it works.”

Brum’s best critic deconstructs CBSO’s new concept

There is much to be said about updating old standards of classical concert etiquette and rethinking programming. Most of it has been said already, repeatedly, here and elsewhere. Rather than revisiting issues such as the lack of music education, the relegation of music to background sound (“wallpaper”), the fossilization of classical music into Mozart-to-Rachmaninoff amber, etc., let’s do a few more reality checks:

– Classical music is not for everybody. Neither are NASCAR, kimchi, knitting or golf. What stimulates, satisfies or spiritually enriches me may not do it for you. I-be-me, you-be-you is how we thrive in a free, pluralistic society.

– While classical music is considered “elite” entertainment, the economy didn’t get that memo. Symphony and opera tickets are no more expensive – often cheaper – than those for “popular” attractions such as superstar arena shows and professional sports. Compare costs for lodging, food and entertainment in an artsy destination like Santa Fe or Tanglewood vs. a Disney theme park.

– Classical and other instrumental musics are abstract, internalized art forms. The action, atmosphere and emotions exist in our minds and hearts by way of our ears. There is, or should be, not much to see in a performance. Added visual or narrative elements impose someone else’s conception of what the music is about, and make it a garnish instead of a meal. Besides, we already have music-and-more art forms: opera and musicals, ballet, film, TV and video-game soundtracks.

– People who weren’t schooled in classical music, or didn’t connect with it at a formative age, are going to be a hard sell, regardless of what musicians and presenters do to appeal to them. There are ways, usually involving places – parks, brew pubs, art galleries – to make music-as-music attractive without remaking it as theater.

– Young people are sampling classical music, in their own ways. I do a show at a college radio station. I’ve long since gotten over being surprised to hear student broadcasters programming Steve Reich, Arvo Pärt or Hildegard of Bingen (or Indonesian gamelan or Mongolian throat-singing) alongside alt-rock. On YouTube, you can find metalheads and hip-hoppers extolling Bruckner and Stravinsky. The proliferation and accessibility of music media and the range of music that they offer, coupled with youthful craving for the new and different, are addressing classical music’s youth issue, however haphazardly. (Will they all become highbrows? See “classical music is not for everybody.”)

– Forty-somethings who dress like teen-agers invite ridicule. So, usually, do attempts by 40- or 50-something classical musicians to devise programs for the young and hip.

– Endemic diseases and bad habits notwithstanding, people are living longer, and elders are staying mobile and sentient enough to go out at increasingly advanced ages. Before hyperventilating over a statistic showing your audience growing older, consider that patrons in their 50s may still be buying tickets 30 years from now. In classical music, alienating the old in pursuit of the young is a losing proposition.

Music for Christmas, ranging from Renaissance dances, French Noëls, early American carols and the original version of “Silent Night” (in waltz time) to Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker” Suite and one of the loveliest Christmas works of the 20th century, Ottorino Respighi’s “Laud for the Nativity.”

7-9 p.m. EST
2200-0000 UTC/GMT
WDCE, University of Richmond
90.1 FM
http://wdce.org

Michael Praetorius: “Terpsichore” (selections)
Doron Sherwin, cornetto
Julien Martin, recorder
Capriccio Stravagante Renaissance Orchestra/Skip Sempé
(Paradizio)

Michel Corrette: “Symphonie de Noël” No. 6 in A major
La Fantasia/Rien Voskulien
(Brilliant Classics)

Tchaikovsky: “The Nutcracker” Suite
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic/Vasily Petrenko
(Avie)

18th- & 19th-century American carols:
traditional: “Fulfillment”
traditional: “A Christmas Hymn”
traditional: “Shepherds, rejoice” (”Auld Lang Syne”)
traditional: “The Star of Bethlehem” (“Bonnie Doone”)
traditional: “A Virgin most pure”
traditional: “Lullay, thou little tiny child”
traditional: “Hush! my babe, lie still and slumber”
William Billings: “Boston”
traditional: “Adeste fidelis”
traditional: “Lovely Vine”
Lowell Mason: “Joy to the World”
Boston Camerata/Joël Cohen
(Erato)

Franz Gruber: “Stille Nacht”
Charles Daniels, tenor
Stephen Charlesworth, bass-baritone
Jakob Lindberg, guitar
Taverner Consort/Andrew Parrott
(Warner Classics)

Ottorino Respighi: “Lauda per la nativitá del Signore”
Yeree Suh, soprano
Kristine Larissa Funkhauser, mezzo-soprano
Krystian Adam, tenor
Rundfunkchor Berlin
Polyphonia Ensemble Berlin/Māris Sirmais
(Carus)

7-9 p.m. EST
2200-0000 UTC/GMT
WDCE, University of Richmond
90.1 FM
http://wdce.org

Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 16 in D major, K. 451
Claire Huangci, piano
Mozarteumorchester Salzburg/Howard Griffiths
(Alpha)

Guillaume Connesson: Sextet for oboe, clarinet, violin, viola, double-bass & piano
Atlantic Chamber Ensemble
(Imaginary Animals)

Debussy: “Danses sacrée et profane”
Alice Chalifoux, harp
Cleveland Orchestra/Pierre Boulez
(Sony Classical)

Vaughan Williams: “Norfolk Rhapsody” No. 1
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra/Paul Daniel
(Naxos)

Rodrigo: “Concierto en modo galante”
Robert Cohen, cello
London Symphony Orchestra/Enrique Bátiz
(Warner Classics)

Nielsen: Symphony No. 2 (“The Four Temperaments”)
Royal Stockholm Philharmonic/Sakari Oramo
(BIS)

The English National Opera, which last year was threatened with loss of government support unless it left London, has chosen Manchester as its new home. The move to the city in the north of England is expected to be completed by 2029, The Guardian’s Mark Brown reports:

http://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/dec/05/english-national-opera-announces-greater-manchester-will-be-its-new-home

In hailing the move, Bev Craig, leader of the Manchester city council, claimed that the city boasted “the largest creative economy in Europe after London.” Larger than Paris’ or Berlin’s? Really?

The past and the future collide in the early romantic period – music of Schubert, Berlioz, Wagner, Mendelssohn, and a long-overlooked English composer of the period, Alice Mary Smith.

7-9 p.m. EST
2200-0000 UTC/GMT
WDCE, University of Richmond
90.1 FM
http://wdce.org

Berlioz: “Rob-Roy Macgregor” Overture
Montreal Symphony Orchestra/Charles Dutoit
(Decca)

Alice Mary Smith: Symphony in C minor
London Mozart Players/Howard Shelley
(Chandos)

Wagner: “Lohengrin” – Act 1 Prelude
Orchestre du Théâtre national de l’Opéra/André Cluytens
(Erato)

Mendelssohn: Prelude and Fugue in E minor, Op. 35, No. 1
Benjamin Grosvenor, piano
(Decca)

Schubert: String Quintet in C major, D. 956
Alban Berg Quartet
Heinrich Schiff, cello
(Warner Classics)

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. Service fees may be added.

Contact presenters or venues for health and safety protocols.

Dec. 1 (7 p.m.)
Altria Theater, Main & Laurel streets, Richmond
Richmond Symphony
Norman Huynh conducting
“Elf,” film with live orchestral accompaniment
$60-$85
(800) 514-3849 (ETIX)
http://richmondsymphony.com

Dec. 1 (7:30 p.m.)
Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Laurel Street at Floyd Avenue, Richmond
Trio Mediaeval
program TBA
free; tickets required via http://eventbrite.com
(804) 359-5651
http://richmondcathedral.org/concerts

Dec. 1 (7:30 p.m.)
Perkinson Arts Center, 11810 Centre St., Chester
Dec. 2 (7:30 p.m.)
Ryan Recital Hall, St. Christopher’s School, 6010 Fergusson Road, Richmond
Dec. 3 (3 p.m.)
Blackwell Auditorium, Randolph-Macon College, 205 Henry St., Ashland
Richmond Symphony Brass Ensemble
Chia-Hsuan Lin conducting
“Holiday Brass”
$20-$50
(800) 514-3849 (ETIX)
http://richmondsymphony.com

Dec. 1 (6 p.m.)
Dec. 2 (3:30 p.m.)
University Baptist Church, 1223 W. Main St., Charlottesville
Virginia Women’s Chorus
Katherine (KaeRenae) Mitchell directing
Anastasia Jellison, harp
40th annual Candlelight Concert
Britten: “A Ceremony of Carols” (selections)
Holst: “Choral Hymns from the Rig Veda”
Christmas carols TBA
$10-$25
(434) 924-3376
http://music.virginia.edu/events

Dec. 1 (7:30 p.m.)
Christ Lutheran Church, 2807 N. Augusta St., Staunton
Dec. 2 (7:30 p.m.)
Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 7599 Rockfish Gap, Greenwood
Dec. 3 (4 p.m.)
Grace Episcopal Church, 5607 Gordonsville Road, Keswick
Three Notch’d Road:
Fiona Hughes, baroque violin
Ryan Lowe, baroque cello
Anne Timberlake, recorders
Cameron Welke, theorbo & lute
Sheila Dietrich, soprano
Benjamin Geier, tenor
Jared Swope, bass
“Sacred Harp: English, Irish & American Christmas”
$30 (Keswick sold out)
(434) 409-3424
http://tnrbaroque.org

Dec. 1 (7:30 p.m.)
Salem Civic Center, 1001 Roanoke Boulevard
Roanoke Symphony Pops
Roanoke Symphony Chorus
Roanoke Valley Children’s Choir
other choirs TBA
David Stewart Wiley conducting
Emme Cannon, vocalist
“Holiday Pops Spectacular”
$32-$67
(540) 343-9127
http://rso.com

Dec. 1 (8 p.m.)
Dec. 2 (8 p.m.)
Kennedy Center Concert Hall, Washington
National Symphony Orchestra
Dima Slobodeniouk conducting
Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 2 in B flat major
Yefim Bronfman, piano
Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 4 in F minor
$15-$112
(800) 444-1324
http://kennedy-center.org

Dec. 2 (7:30 p.m.)
Chrysler Hall, 215 St. Paul’s Boulevard, Norfolk
Dec. 7 (7:30 p.m.)
Ferguson Arts Center, Christopher Newport University, Newport News
Dec. 10 (7 p.m.)
Sandler Arts Center, 201 S. Market St., Virginia Beach
Virginia Symphony Pops
Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus
Truetone Honeys
Joanne White & Evelyn White, flutes
Robert Shoup conducting
“Holiday Pops”
$10-$199
(757) 892-6366
http://virginiasymphony.org

Dec. 2 (7:30 p.m.)
Dec. 3 (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”
$11-$48
(434) 924-3376
http://music.virginia.edu/events

Dec. 2 (7:30 p.m.)
Historic Academy Theater, 600 Main St., Lynchburg
Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra
David Glover conducting
“Happy Holidays with the LSO”
$20-$100
(434) 528-3256
http://lynchburgsymphony.org

Dec. 3 (4 p.m.)
Trinity Lutheran Church, 2315 N. Parham Road, Richmond
Richmond Choral Society
Markus J. Compton directing
“Christmas with the Richmond Choral Society”
$10-$15
(804) 353-9582
http://richmondchoralsociety.org

Dec. 3 (4 p.m.)
Vlahcevic Concert Hall, Singleton Arts Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Park Avenue at Harrison Street, Richmond
VCU Guitar & Community Guitar Ensemble
program TBA
free
(804) 828-1166
http://arts.vcu.edu/events

Dec. 3 (5 & 8 p.m.)
Cannon Memorial Chapel, University of Richmond
UR Schola Cantorum & Women’s Chorale
Jeffrey Riehl & Timothy Drummond directing
50th annual Festival of Lessons and Carols
free; registration required
(804) 289-8980
http://modlin.richmond.edu

Dec. 3 (7 p.m.)
River Road Church, Baptist, River & Ridge roads, Richmond
River Road Chancel Choir & orchestra
Robert Gallagher conducting
Handel: “Messiah” – Advent/Christmas portion
soloists TBA
sold out; waiting list
(804) 288-1131
http://rrcb.org/e-carl-freeman-concert-series/

Dec. 3 (5 p.m.)
Walnut Hills Baptist Church, 1014 Jamestown Road, Williamsburg
Cantori Choral Ensemble
Agnes French directing
Anastasia Jellison, harp
Britten: “A Ceremony of Carols”
Christmas carols TBA
$20
(757) 220-5900
http://whbconline.org

Dec. 3 (3 p.m.)
St. Anne’s Belfield School, 2132 Ivy Road, Charlottesville
Cavalier Symphony Orchestra
conductors TBA
“Gothic Slay”
Bizet: “Carmen” Suite
Saint-Saëns: “Danse macabre”
Rimsky-Korsakov: “Scheherazade” – III: “The Young Prince and the Young Princess”
Beethoven: Symphony No. 5 in C minor – I: Allegro con brio
Vivaldi: “The Four Seasons” – “Winter”
violinist TBA
Khachaturian: “Spartacus and Phrygia” – adagio
$10
(434) 295-0106
http://cavalierso.com

Dec. 4 (11 a.m.)
Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Laurel Street at Floyd Avenue, Richmond
Three Notch’d Road:
Fiona Hughes, baroque violin
Ryan Lowe, baroque cello
Anne Timberlake, recorders
Cameron Welke, theorbo & lute
Sheila Dietrich, soprano
Benjamin Geier, tenor
Jared Swope, bass
“Sacred Harp: English, Irish & American Christmas”
free; tickets required via http://eventbrite.com
(804) 359-5651
http://richmondcathedral.org/concerts

Dec. 4 (7:30 p.m.)
Camp Concert Hall, Modlin Arts Center, University of Richmond
UR Chamber Ensembles
Joanne Kong directing
program TBA
free; registration required
(804) 289-8980
http://modlin.richmond.edu

Dec. 5 (8 p.m.)
Old Cabell Hall, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
University Singers
UVA Chamber Singers
Virginia Glee Club
Virginia Women’s Chorus
Michael Slon directing
“Messiah” Sing-in
$10
(434) 924-3376
http://music.virginia.edu/events

Dec. 6 (7:30 p.m.)
Camp Concert Hall, Modlin Arts Center, University of Richmond
UR Symphony Orchestra
Naima Burrs conducting
Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor – I: Moderato
Ben Nguyen, piano
other works TBA
free; registration required
(804) 289-8980
http://modlin.richmond.edu

Dec. 6 (8 p.m.)
Vlahcevic Concert Hall, Singleton Arts Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Park Avenue at Harrison Street, Richmond
VCU Symphony
Daniel Myssyk conducting
program TBA
$10
(804) 828-1166
http://arts.vcu.edu/events

Dec. 6 (7:30 p.m.)
The Anthem, 901 Wharf St. SW, Washington
National Symphony Orchestra
Steven Reineke conducting
“Ugly Sweater Holiday Concert”
$25-$40
(800) 444-1324
http://kennedy-center.org

Dec. 7 (7 p.m.)
Kennedy Center Concert Hall, Washington
National Symphony Orchestra Pops
Heritage Signature Chorale
Steven Reineke conducting
“Notes of Honor: NSO Salutes the Military”
program TBA
free; registration required
(800) 444-1324
http://kennedy-center.org

Dec. 8 (7 p.m.)
Dec. 9 (2 & 7 p.m.)
Dec. 10 (1 & 5:30 p.m.)
Dec. 15 (7 p.m.)
Dec. 16 (2 & 7 p.m.)
Dec. 17 (1 & 5:30 p.m.)
Dec. 20 (7 p.m.)
Dec. 21 (7 p.m.)
Dec. 22 (2 & 7 p.m.)
Dec. 23 (2 & 7 p.m.)
Dec. 24 (1 p.m.)
Carpenter Theatre, Dominion Energy Center, Sixth & Grace streets, Richmond
Richmond Ballet
Richmond Symphony
Erin Freeman conducting
Tchaikovsky: “The Nutcracker”
$25-$150
(804) 592-3330
http://richmondballet.com

Dec. 8 (7 p.m.)
Vlahcevic Concert Hall, Singleton Arts Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Park Avenue at Harrison Street, Richmond
VCU Music artists & ensembles
“Holiday Gala”
$10; proceeds benefit The Doorways
(804) 828-1166
http://arts.vcu.edu/events

Dec. 8 (7:30 p.m.)
Church of the Holy Comforter, Episcopal, Monument Avenue at Staples Mill Road, Richmond
Dec. 9 (7:30 p.m.)
All Saints Episcopal Church, 8787 River Road, Richmond
James River Singers
David Pedersen directing
“Light of the World”
works TBA by Mozart, Cristobal de Morales, Gerd-Peter Münden, Dan Forrest, Reena Esmail
$15
(757) 814-5446
http://jamesriversingers.org

Dec. 8 (7:30 p.m.)
Grace Baptist Church, 4200 Dover Road, Richmond
Dec. 10 (3 p.m.)
Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church, 201 Henry St., Ashland
Central Virginia Masterworks Chorale & orchestra
Ryan Tibbetts conducting
Daniel Stipe, organ
John Rutter: Magnificat
Elaine Hagenberg: “Illuminare”
$15
http://cvamc.org

Dec. 8 (7 p.m.)
Dec. 9 (2 p.m.)
Chrysler Hall, 215 St. Paul’s Boulevard, Norfolk
Virginia Symphony Orchestra
conductor TBA
“Elf,” film with live orchestral accompaniment
$28-$80
(757) 892-6366
http://virginiasymphony.org

Dec. 8 (7 p.m.)
Cave Spring United Methodist Church, 4505 Hazel Drive, Roanoke
Roanoke Symphony Brass
Jay Crone directing
“Holiday Brass”
$34-$52
(540) 343-9127
http://rso.com

Dec. 8 (7 p.m.)
Dec. 9 (noon & 5 p.m.)
Dec. 10 (2 p.m.)
Terrace Theater, Kennedy Center, Washington
Washington National Opera
conductor TBA
Jeanine Tesori: “The Lion, the Unicorn and Me”
Cafritz Young Artist Program singers TBA
WNO Children’s Chorus
in English, English captions
$25-$59
(800) 444-1324
http://kennedy-center.org

Dec. 8 (8 p.m.)
Dec. 9 (2 & 8 p.m.)
Kennedy Center Concert Hall, Washington
National Symphony Orchestra Pops
Steven Reineke conducting
Norm Lewis & Nova Y. Payton, vocals
Heritage Signature Chorale
Rishab Jain, drums
“A Holiday Pops!”
$29-$109
(800) 444-1324
http://kennedy-center.org

Dec. 9 (4 p.m.)
Center for the Arts, George Mason University, Fairfax
American Festival Pops Orchestra
Peter Wilson conducting
Darden Purcell & Courtney Williams, vocals
Mason Jazz Vocal Ensemble
Tchaikovsky: “The Nutcracker” (excerpts)
Tchaikovsky: “The Nutcracker” (Duke Ellington & Billy Strayhorn arrangement)
holiday film music TBA
Christmas carols TBA
$36-$60
(703) 993-2787
http://cfa.gmu.edu

Dec. 10 (3 p.m.)
Bon Air Presbyterian Church, 9201 W. Huguenot Road, Richmond
Second Sunday South of the James:
instrumental ensemble
Naima Burrs conducting
“Messiah” sing-along
Zara Brock, soprano
Catherine Pelletier, mezzo-soprano
DeVonté Saunders, tenor
Will Conn, bass
scores available
donation requested
(804) 272-7514
http://bonairpc.org

Dec. 10 (3 p.m.)
Vlahcevic Concert Hall, Singleton Arts Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Park Avenue at Harrison Street, Richmond
Neave Piano Trio
Reena Esmail: Piano Trio
Debussy: “La Mer” (piano trio arrangement)
Astor Piazzolla: “The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires” (piano trio arrangement)
$10
(804) 828-1166
http://arts.vcu.edu/events

Dec. 10 (7:30 p.m.)
St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church, 2700 Dolfield Drive, North Chesterfield
St. Edward choirs
Alicia Romeo directing
Lisa Edwards-Burrs, soprano
Susanna Klein, violin
“Candlelight Carol Sing”
free
(804) 272-2948
http://stedchurch.com

Dec. 10 (7:30 p.m.)
Abingdon Episcopal Church, 4645 George Washington Memorial Highway, Hayes
Cantori Choral Ensemble
Agnes French directing
Anastasia Jellison, harp
Britten: “A Ceremony of Carols”
Christmas carols TBA
$20
(804) 693-3035
http://abingdonchurch.org

Dec. 11 (7 p.m.)
Virginia Museum of History and Culture, Arthur Ashe Boulevard at Kensington Avenue, Richmond
Dec. 18 (7 p.m.)
Bon Air Presbyterian Church, 9201 W. Huguenot Road, Richmond
Richmond Philharmonic
Peter Wilson conducting
“Holiday Pops”
free
(804) 556-1039
http://richmondphilharmonic.org

Dec. 11 (7 p.m.)
Vlahcevic Concert Hall, Singleton Arts Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Park Avenue at Harrison Street, Richmond
Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra
conductor TBA
program TBA
free
(804) 788-1212
http://richmondsymphony.com

Dec. 12 (7 p.m.)
Shaftman Performance Hall, Jefferson Center, 541 Luck Ave., Roanoke
Roanoke Symphony Orchestra Chorus & Baroque Virtuosi
David Stewart Wiley conducting
Handel: “Messiah” – Part 1 & “Hallelujah” Chorus
soloists TBA
$28-$56
(540) 343-9127
http://rso.com

Dec. 12 (7:30 p.m.)
Terrace Theater, Kennedy Center, Washington
Marian Anderson Vocal Award Recital:
Justin Austin, baritone
Howard Watkins, piano
program TBA
$39
(800) 444-1324
http://kennedy-center.org

Dec. 13 (7:30 p.m.)
St. Bede Catholic Church, 3686 Ironbound Road, Williamsburg
Dec. 14 (7 p.m.)
Chesapeake Conference Center, 700 Conference Center Drive
Dec. 15 (7 p.m.)
Birdsong Theater, Suffolk Center, 110 W. Finney Ave.
Dec. 16 (7 p.m.)
Palace Theater, 305 Mason Ave., Cape Charles
Virginia Symphony Brass Ensemble
Paul Bhasin directing
“Holiday Brass”
$10-$79 (Williamsburg)
free (Chesapeake)
$18-$40 (Suffolk)
$30 (Cape Charles)
(757) 892-6366
http://virginiasymphony.org

Dec. 13 (7:30 p.m.)
Terrace Theater, Kennedy Center, Washington
Vocal Arts DC:
Jonah Hoskins, tenor
William Woodard, piano
works TBA by Satie, Jake Heggie, Lee Hoiby
$50
(800) 444-1324
http://kennedy-center.org

Dec. 14 (7:30 p.m.)
Regent University Theater, 1000 Regent University Drive, Virginia Beach
Dec. 15 (7:30 p.m.)
First Baptist Church, 12716 Warwick Boulevard, Newport News
Dec. 16 (7:30 p.m.)
Harrison Opera House, 160 E. Virginia Beach Boulevard, Norfolk
Virginia Symphony Orchestra
Christopher Allen conducting
Handel: “Messiah”
Zoe Allen, soprano
Sun-Ly Pierce, mezzo-soprano
Alek Shrader, tenor
Levi Hernandez, baritone
Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus
$10-$119
(757) 892-6366
http://virginiasymphony.org

Dec. 14 (7 p.m.)
Dec. 15 (8 p.m.)
Dec. 16 (8 p.m.)
Dec. 17 (1 p.m.)
Kennedy Center Concert Hall, Washington
National Symphony Orchestra
Laurence Equilbey conducting
Handel: “Messiah”
Robin Johannsen, soprano
Christopher Lowrey, countertenor
Aaron Sheehan, tenor
Jonathon Adams, baritone
University of Maryland Concert Choir
$19-$99
(800) 444-1324
http://kennedy-center.org

Dec. 15 (7:30 p.m.)
Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Laurel Street at Floyd Avenue, Richmond
Choir of Cathedral of the Sacred Heart
Daniel Sañez directing
Advent Festival of Lessons & Carols
free; tickets required via http://eventbrite.com
(804) 359-5651
http://richmondcathedral.org/concerts

Dec. 15 (8 p.m.)
Cosby High School, 14300 Fox Club Parkway, Midlothian
Central Virginia Wind Symphony
Mike Goldberg directing
“Holiday Spectacular”
free
(804) 342-8797
http://www.thewindsymphony.com

Dec. 16 (7:30 p.m.)
River Road Church, Baptist, River & Ridge roads, Richmond
The King’s Singers
“When You Wish upon a Star: a King’s Singers Christmas”
$41.25-$55
(757) 282-2822 (Virginia Arts Festival)
http://vafest.org

Dec. 16 (2:30 & 7:30 p.m.)
Paramount Theater, 215 E. Main St., Charlottesville
Oratorio Society of Virginia
Michael Slon directing
“Christmas at the Paramount”
John Rutter: Gloria
other works TBA
$10-$54
(434) 979-1333
http://theparamount.net

Dec. 16 (4 p.m.)
Dec. 17 (4 p.m.)
Center for the Arts, George Mason University, Fairfax
Fairfax Ballet
Fairfax Symphony Orchestra
Christopher Zimmerman conducting
Tchaikovsky: “The Nutcracker”
$54-$94
(703) 993-2787
http://cfa.gmu.edu

Dec. 16 (11 a.m.)
Dec. 24 (11 a.m.)
Kennedy Center Concert Hall, Washington
Choral Arts Society of Washington
Choral Arts Brass Ensemble
Michele Fowlin conducting
“A Family Christmas”
$20-$45
(800) 444-1324
http://kennedy-center.org

Dec. 16 (3 p.m.)
Dec. 20 (7 p.m.)
Dec. 21 (7 p.m.)
Dec. 22 (8 p.m.)
Kennedy Center Concert Hall, Washington
The Washington Chorus
Side-by-Side High School Choirs
National Capital Brass and Percussion
Eugene Rogers conducting
Paul Byssainthe, Jr., organ and piano
“A Candlelight Christmas”
$15-$99
(800) 444-1324
http://kennedy-center.org

Dec. 16 (7:30 p.m.)
Dec. 17 (3 p.m.)
Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD
National Philharmonic
Piotr Gajewski conducting
Handel: “Messiah”
Aundi Marie Moore, soprano
Lucia Bradford, mezzo-soprano
Norman Shankle, tenor
Jorell William, baritone
National Philharmonic Chorale
Baltimore Choral Arts Society
$19-$99
(301) 581-5100
http://strathmore.org

Dec. 17 (5 p.m.)
All Saints Episcopal Church, 8787 River Road, Richmond
All Saints Choir of Men and Boys
All Saints Girls Choir
Scott G. Hayes directing
Daniel Stipe, organ
Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
free
(804) 288-7811
http://allsaintsrvamusic.com

Dec. 17 (7 p.m.)
Gallery5, 200 W. Marshall St., Richmond
Classical Revolution RVA:
artists TBA
program TBA
donation requested
(804) 678-8863 (Gallery5)
http://classicalrevolutionrva.com/events

Dec. 17 (4 p.m.)
Moss Arts Center, Virginia Tech, 190 Alumni Mall, Blacksburg
Blacksburg Master Chorale & orchestra
Dwight Bigler conducting
Handel: “Messiah”
Alison Wahl, soprano
Kayla Brotherton, mezzo-soprano
Benjamin Bunsold, tenor
Markel Williams, bass-baritone
$25-$65
(540) 231-5300
http://artscenter.vt.edu

Dec. 18 (7 p.m.)
Church of the Holy Comforter. Episcopal, Monument Avenue at Staples Mill Road, Richmond
Chamber Music Society of Central Virginia:
Nicholas DiEugenio, Natalie Kress, Nurit Pacht & Emily Monroe, violins
Celia Hatton, viola
James Wilson, cello
Jessica Eig, double-bass
Carsten Schmidt, harpsichord
Cameron Welke, lute
“Fifth Season”
Vivaldi: Concerto in D minor, RV 565
Vivaldi: Concerto in A major, RV 552 (“Echo”)
Vivaldi: Concerto in D minor, RV 540, for lute & viola d’amore
Vivaldi: Violin Concerto in E flat major, RV 253 (“La Tempesta di Mare”)
Vivaldi: Concerto in B flat major, RV 362 (“The Hunt”)
Kenyon Duncan: new work TBA
$30
(804) 304-6312
http://cmscva.org

Dec. 18 (7 p.m.)
Dec. 24 (2 p.m.)
Kennedy Center Concert Hall, Washington
Choral Arts Society of Washington & orchestra
Marie Bucoy-Calavan conducting
“O Night Divine!”
$15-$94
(800) 444-1324
http://kennedy-center.org

Dec. 20 (7 p.m.)
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Grove Avenue at Three Chopt Road, Richmond
Sanctuary Choristers
St. Stephen’s Choristers
Chris Edwards directing
Peter Greydanus, cello
Anastasia Jellison, harp
“Winter Solstice Concert”
works TBA by Peter Hallock, Ēriks Ešenvalds, Joanna Marsh, Sally Beamish, Marcel Tournier, Owain Park, June Collin, Patrick Hawes, others
$20
(804) 288-2867
http://www.ststephensrva.org/music/

Dec. 21 (7:30 p.m.)
Paramount Theater, 215 E. Main St., Charlottesville
Vienna Boys Choir
“Christmas in Vienna”
$34.75-$44.75
(434) 979-1333
http://theparamount.net

Dec. 23 (6 p.m.)
Kennedy Center Concert Hall, Washington
Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra
Evan Rogister conducting
College Park Chorale
Congressional Chorus
Fairfax Choral Society
Rockville Chorus
Nancia DAlimonte directing
Angeli Ferrette, soprano
Jeanie Adkins, mezzo-soprano
Antonio Chase, tenor
V. Savoy McIlwain, bass-baritone
“Messiah” sing-along
free; online advance order required
(800) 444-1324
http://kennedy-center.org

Dec. 24 (5 p.m.)
Grace & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 8 N. Laurel St., Richmond
Grace & Holy Trinity Parish Choir
Elizabeth Melcher Davis directing
Festival of Lessons and Carols
free
(804) 359-5628
http://ghtc.org

Dec. 29 (5:30 p.m.)
The Greencroft Club, 575 Rodes Drive, Charlottesville
Three Notch’d Road:
Benjamin Geier, tenor
Fiona Hughes, baroque violin
Christa Patton, harp and recorders
folk and seasonal music TBA
$100; includes dinner
(434) 409-3424
http://tnrbaroque.org