The weather may be getting colder, but the music is merrier. We’ve put together a list of local holiday concerts that are sure to get you in the spirit of the season.
DECEMBER 9, 7:30 P.M.
Handel’s Messiah
Sound the trumpet! Soloist Jeannette Sorrell and chorus bring their nationally acclaimed interpretation of Messiah to the First Presbyterian Church of Evanston. The singers become musical storytellers, bringing spirituality and theatricality to Handel’s richly layered masterpiece.
DECEMBER 9, 8 P.M.
A Mexican Christmas
The Newberry Consort presents this beloved holiday tradition featuring Christmas music from 17th century Mexico City. The concert highlights both classical music that would have been sung by nuns of the Convent of the Encarnación as well as joyful “villancicos,” the folk-based songs of praise and celebration.
DECEMBER 9, 7:30 P.M. and DECEMBER 18, 4 P.M.
Coriolis A Capella
The classical a cappella group Coriolis will celebrate its 35th season with two holiday concerts, adventurous arrangements of traditional holiday themes and modern compositions relating to the winter holidays.
DECEMBER 10, 2 P.M.
Duke it Out! Nutcracker
The Music Institute of Chicago presents its holiday tradition, Duke It Out! Nutcracker, featuring the classical (Tchaikovsky) and jazz (Duke Ellington/Billy Strayhorn) versions of the holiday favorite in a music and dance performance.
DECEMBER 11, 3 P.M.
Evanston Symphony Orchestra
Don’t miss these favorite Yule festivities with your family and friends and performances by a variety of musical groups throughout Evanston, including the Evanston Children’s Choir, Evanston Dance Ensemble and North Shore Choral Society.
DECEMBER 11, 4 P.M.
Hanukkah A Cappella
This program of music for Hanukkah aims to unveil the richer meaning of the festival featuring stellar works by eight living composers – from heartfelt prayers to jazzy and playful holiday favorites – showcasing the creativity and vitality of American Jewish musical traditions.
DECEMBER 16, 7 P.M.
Klezmer Band Hanukkah Celebration
Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation invites the community to join a lively and participatory Kabbalat Shabbat Service and Hanukkah celebration featuring Heavy Shtetl performing long-time favorites like “Oh Chanukah” and “Ocho Kanelikas” (Eight Little Candles), and even a few originals written by members of the congregation.
DECEMBER 18, 7 P.M.
Evanston Children’s Choir Holiday Concert
Join the ECC Concert Choir, Youth Chorale Pops and Pope John XXIII School Choir as they celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.
For more holiday performances or to add your event to the RoundTable Calendar, click here.