December 1-25
Musical Advent Calendar
Guts Baroque (Sylvia Schwartz, violin, Rebecca Shaw, cello)
Brighten your December with daily music from Guts! Whether it’ll bring moments of holiday joy or moments of respite from a stressful season, treat yourself (and your loved ones!) to a special Advent calendar with a micro-concert video each day. In the spirit of mystery, we won’t give away in advance which pieces you’ll hear, but we’ve had a great time choosing them and can’t wait to share them with you! We will tell you that it’ll be a mix of music, baroque stuff in several different styles for most of the month and some carols and holiday songs in the last few days. Send us a donation of any amount $20–$100 and you’ll receive a daily email with a new micro-concert video from December 1st to 25th. Daily videos will be about 2–5min each, with a slightly longer one for Christmas Day. After you open them, videos will continue to be available through the end of January—in case you need some music to brighten the quiet of post-holiday time, as we settle in to winter. Makes a great gift! Just tell us in the checkout form where we should send it. Gifting to multiple people? Make a total donation that reflects the number of recipients (you choose the amount that works for you), and put all the email addresses into the form.
Daily emails sent to subscribers
$20–100
https://gutsbaroque.com. Payment at https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/8LPNVV7SBY882
Guts Baroque (Sylvia Schwartz, violin, Rebecca Shaw, cello)
Brighten your December with daily music from Guts! Whether it’ll bring moments of holiday joy or moments of respite from a stressful season, treat yourself (and your loved ones!) to a special Advent calendar with a micro-concert video each day. In the spirit of mystery, we won’t give away in advance which pieces you’ll hear, but we’ve had a great time choosing them and can’t wait to share them with you! We will tell you that it’ll be a mix of music, baroque stuff in several different styles for most of the month and some carols and holiday songs in the last few days. Send us a donation of any amount $20–$100 and you’ll receive a daily email with a new micro-concert video from December 1st to 25th. Daily videos will be about 2–5min each, with a slightly longer one for Christmas Day. After you open them, videos will continue to be available through the end of January—in case you need some music to brighten the quiet of post-holiday time, as we settle in to winter. Makes a great gift! Just tell us in the checkout form where we should send it. Gifting to multiple people? Make a total donation that reflects the number of recipients (you choose the amount that works for you), and put all the email addresses into the form.
Daily emails sent to subscribers
$20–100
https://gutsbaroque.com. Payment at https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/8LPNVV7SBY882
Monday, December 1
Breathe with Bach
Rafael Popper-Keizer, cello
Breathe with Bach takes the musicians of Emmanuel Music out into the community, partnering with neighborhood branches of the Boston Public Library to present an hour of music, Bach and Bach adjacent, at BPL locations across the city. Listeners can experience Breathe with Bach as they choose, whether that’s pulling up a chair as you would at a concert, passing by for a few minutes to enjoy the sounds, or using the music as a soundtrack to do work, read, or contemplate. We encourage you to chat with the musicians if you feel inclined - it's a great way to get to know Emmanuel Music and to learn about our work in the community!
4:30pm - Jamaica Plain Branch of the BPL, 30 South Street, Boston, MA
FREE
https://www.emmanuelmusic.org/performance-info/bach-for-you
Rafael Popper-Keizer, cello
Breathe with Bach takes the musicians of Emmanuel Music out into the community, partnering with neighborhood branches of the Boston Public Library to present an hour of music, Bach and Bach adjacent, at BPL locations across the city. Listeners can experience Breathe with Bach as they choose, whether that’s pulling up a chair as you would at a concert, passing by for a few minutes to enjoy the sounds, or using the music as a soundtrack to do work, read, or contemplate. We encourage you to chat with the musicians if you feel inclined - it's a great way to get to know Emmanuel Music and to learn about our work in the community!
4:30pm - Jamaica Plain Branch of the BPL, 30 South Street, Boston, MA
FREE
https://www.emmanuelmusic.org/performance-info/bach-for-you
Tuesday, December 2
Choral Evensong
Yale Consort and the viols of the Elm City Consort
This service features performances of works by Orlando Gibbons in honor of the 400th anniversary of his death. Yale Consort, a professional vocal ensemble conducted by Professor James O’Donnell and sponsored by the Yale Institute of Sacred Music, provides high quality choral music for a series of evening services in local parishes and chapels.
5:30pm - Marquand Chapel, 409 Prospect Street New Haven, CT
Free and open to the public.
https://ism.yale.edu/events/2025-12-02-choral-evensong-with-yale-consort-and-elm-city-consort
Yale Consort and the viols of the Elm City Consort
This service features performances of works by Orlando Gibbons in honor of the 400th anniversary of his death. Yale Consort, a professional vocal ensemble conducted by Professor James O’Donnell and sponsored by the Yale Institute of Sacred Music, provides high quality choral music for a series of evening services in local parishes and chapels.
5:30pm - Marquand Chapel, 409 Prospect Street New Haven, CT
Free and open to the public.
https://ism.yale.edu/events/2025-12-02-choral-evensong-with-yale-consort-and-elm-city-consort
Thursday, December 4
Sing We Noel: Christmas Music from England and Early America
The Boston Camerata (Anne Azéma, director)
A much-loved Camerata holiday program returns two generations later! We celebrate Christmas in the English speaking world down through the centuries, with wonderful songs and carols from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance to early America. While most music presented here is artmusic — transcribed from old manuscripts and prints — the means of expression are generally direct and simple, with a strong folk and popular vein. Camerata’s top soloists, voices and instruments, offer a unique experience at year’s end.
3:00pm - Lincoln Theater, 2 Theater St. Damariscotta, ME
https://bostoncamerata.org/performances/
The Boston Camerata (Anne Azéma, director)
A much-loved Camerata holiday program returns two generations later! We celebrate Christmas in the English speaking world down through the centuries, with wonderful songs and carols from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance to early America. While most music presented here is artmusic — transcribed from old manuscripts and prints — the means of expression are generally direct and simple, with a strong folk and popular vein. Camerata’s top soloists, voices and instruments, offer a unique experience at year’s end.
3:00pm - Lincoln Theater, 2 Theater St. Damariscotta, ME
https://bostoncamerata.org/performances/
Friday, December 5
Messe de minuit
Tiny Glass Tavern: Sophie Michaux, mezzo-soprano, Kimaya Diggs, soprano, guitar, Agnes Coakley Cox, soprano, Timothy Parsons, counter-tenor, banjo, Corey Hart, tenor, Adam Jacob Simon, baritone, organ, guitar, piano, mandolin; guest vocal ensemble Cantabile; Keats Dieffenbach, Nicole Vega Sierra, violins, Allison Monroe, viola, violin, James Perretta, viol, Alice Robbins, basse de violon, Emily O'Brien, Roy Sansom, recorders, Benjamin Katz, organ, Nathaniel Cox, theorbo
An eclectic holiday concert around Charpentier's folk inspired Masterpiece including Early, Folk, and Original Music.
7pm - Edwards Church, Northampton MA
$15-50
https://www.tinyglasstavern.com/events.html#/
Tiny Glass Tavern: Sophie Michaux, mezzo-soprano, Kimaya Diggs, soprano, guitar, Agnes Coakley Cox, soprano, Timothy Parsons, counter-tenor, banjo, Corey Hart, tenor, Adam Jacob Simon, baritone, organ, guitar, piano, mandolin; guest vocal ensemble Cantabile; Keats Dieffenbach, Nicole Vega Sierra, violins, Allison Monroe, viola, violin, James Perretta, viol, Alice Robbins, basse de violon, Emily O'Brien, Roy Sansom, recorders, Benjamin Katz, organ, Nathaniel Cox, theorbo
An eclectic holiday concert around Charpentier's folk inspired Masterpiece including Early, Folk, and Original Music.
7pm - Edwards Church, Northampton MA
$15-50
https://www.tinyglasstavern.com/events.html#/
Sing We Noel: Christmas Music from England and Early America
The Boston Camerata (Anne Azéma, director)
A much-loved Camerata holiday program returns two generations later! We celebrate Christmas in the English speaking world down through the centuries, with wonderful songs and carols from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance to early America. While most music presented here is artmusic — transcribed from old manuscripts and prints — the means of expression are generally direct and simple, with a strong folk and popular vein. Camerata’s top soloists, voices and instruments, offer a unique experience at year’s end.
7:30pm - Trinity United Methodist Church, 361 Sumner Ave. Springfield, MA
https://bostoncamerata.org/performances/
The Boston Camerata (Anne Azéma, director)
A much-loved Camerata holiday program returns two generations later! We celebrate Christmas in the English speaking world down through the centuries, with wonderful songs and carols from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance to early America. While most music presented here is artmusic — transcribed from old manuscripts and prints — the means of expression are generally direct and simple, with a strong folk and popular vein. Camerata’s top soloists, voices and instruments, offer a unique experience at year’s end.
7:30pm - Trinity United Methodist Church, 361 Sumner Ave. Springfield, MA
https://bostoncamerata.org/performances/
Mother & Child: English music for the Virgin Mary
The Tallis Scholars (Peter Phillips, DirectorI
For more than 50 years, the legendary singers of The Tallis Scholars have earned international acclaim for performances of unparalleled purity and clarity—and for the past 37 years it has been BEMF's privilege to welcome them annually to Greater Boston. Director Peter Phillips leads these transcendent voices in a seasonal program of music from the English repertoire written about the Virgin Mary. Whether celebrating her own divinity in Byrd’s Votive Mass or her role as the mother of Christ as in Tallis’s epic Missa Puer natus, these selections are some of the most glorious works of the Renaissance. The program also includes Britten’s timeless A Hymn to the Virgin and a newly commissioned piece by Matthew Martin.
8pm - St. Paul Church, Cambridge, MA
VIRTUAL PREMIERE: Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 8pm (ET) Available to watch until December 27, 2026 at 11:59pm (ET)
https://bemf.org/
The Tallis Scholars (Peter Phillips, DirectorI
For more than 50 years, the legendary singers of The Tallis Scholars have earned international acclaim for performances of unparalleled purity and clarity—and for the past 37 years it has been BEMF's privilege to welcome them annually to Greater Boston. Director Peter Phillips leads these transcendent voices in a seasonal program of music from the English repertoire written about the Virgin Mary. Whether celebrating her own divinity in Byrd’s Votive Mass or her role as the mother of Christ as in Tallis’s epic Missa Puer natus, these selections are some of the most glorious works of the Renaissance. The program also includes Britten’s timeless A Hymn to the Virgin and a newly commissioned piece by Matthew Martin.
8pm - St. Paul Church, Cambridge, MA
VIRTUAL PREMIERE: Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 8pm (ET) Available to watch until December 27, 2026 at 11:59pm (ET)
https://bemf.org/
Sing We Nowell
Vox Lucens
Celebrate the many facets of the holiday season with us as we alternate large, late-Renaissance polyphonic music with intimate Medieval carols.
8pm - St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 838 Massachusetts Ave. Cambridge, MA
$20-25 suggested donation
https://www.voxlucens.org/
Vox Lucens
Celebrate the many facets of the holiday season with us as we alternate large, late-Renaissance polyphonic music with intimate Medieval carols.
8pm - St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 838 Massachusetts Ave. Cambridge, MA
$20-25 suggested donation
https://www.voxlucens.org/
Saturday, December 6
Three's Company: Viol trios from the Tudor and Stuart Eras
Rosamund Morley and Lawrence Lipnik, viols
Bring your viol to a virtual consort with Larry Lipnik and Ros Morley exploring a century of trios for viols; from Henry VIII’s Songbook to the music that might have been played by the Princes Charles and Henry, sons of James I, and other royal patrons. The session will be suitable for all sizes of viol; in “Round Robin” style, like "Music Minus One," each piece will be played three times, each time with a different part left out, so that everyone can enjoy playing a trio with us. The other times you may just listen or double one of us playing your part. The repertoire will include music by William Byrd, Edward and Orlando Gibbons, Elway Bevan, Anthony Holborne, Thomas Lupo, Giovanni Coprario and the Anonymous composer who wrote for Henry VIII’s first viol consort. Geared to intermediate - advanced viol players, but all are welcome. Pitch: A= 415.
1-2:30pm - online (Zoom link sent to participants)
$30
https://www.amherstearlymusic.org/online-classes
Rosamund Morley and Lawrence Lipnik, viols
Bring your viol to a virtual consort with Larry Lipnik and Ros Morley exploring a century of trios for viols; from Henry VIII’s Songbook to the music that might have been played by the Princes Charles and Henry, sons of James I, and other royal patrons. The session will be suitable for all sizes of viol; in “Round Robin” style, like "Music Minus One," each piece will be played three times, each time with a different part left out, so that everyone can enjoy playing a trio with us. The other times you may just listen or double one of us playing your part. The repertoire will include music by William Byrd, Edward and Orlando Gibbons, Elway Bevan, Anthony Holborne, Thomas Lupo, Giovanni Coprario and the Anonymous composer who wrote for Henry VIII’s first viol consort. Geared to intermediate - advanced viol players, but all are welcome. Pitch: A= 415.
1-2:30pm - online (Zoom link sent to participants)
$30
https://www.amherstearlymusic.org/online-classes
Miniature Nutcracker
Arpeggione: Andrea LeBlanc, flute, Thomas Carroll, clarinet, Kyra Davies, violin, Anna Seda, cello, April Sun, piano
Welcome the holidays with Arpeggione’s own miniature rendering of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker! Our vision is both nostalgic and new, combining your favorite music with homemade Nutcracker-inspired sweets and beverages and readings from the E.T.A. Hoffman classic. Pull up a chair around the fire and feel like you’ve stepped into a very special, welcoming, and timeless home.
2pm - The Bower, Montserrat College of Art
$25, family friendly
https://www.arpeggione-ensemble.com/
Arpeggione: Andrea LeBlanc, flute, Thomas Carroll, clarinet, Kyra Davies, violin, Anna Seda, cello, April Sun, piano
Welcome the holidays with Arpeggione’s own miniature rendering of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker! Our vision is both nostalgic and new, combining your favorite music with homemade Nutcracker-inspired sweets and beverages and readings from the E.T.A. Hoffman classic. Pull up a chair around the fire and feel like you’ve stepped into a very special, welcoming, and timeless home.
2pm - The Bower, Montserrat College of Art
$25, family friendly
https://www.arpeggione-ensemble.com/
The Temperamental Musician: Music of the Four Temperaments
Jennifer Carpenter, recorder
Musicians are rarely accused of being single-minded! We are often asked to create differing yet compelling imagery or affects through performance. Rooted in ancient Greek philosophy the four temperaments - sanguine, melancholic, choleric, and phlegmatic - are associated with a distinct set of characteristics that we still recognize as a mixture of our own personality traits. Join Jennifer Carpenter as we bring to life music that represents each of the four temperaments. Open to recorder players, upper intermediate and above, other melody players welcome! Pitch: A=440.
3-4:30pm - online (Zoom link sent to participants)
$30
https://www.amherstearlymusic.org/online-classes
Jennifer Carpenter, recorder
Musicians are rarely accused of being single-minded! We are often asked to create differing yet compelling imagery or affects through performance. Rooted in ancient Greek philosophy the four temperaments - sanguine, melancholic, choleric, and phlegmatic - are associated with a distinct set of characteristics that we still recognize as a mixture of our own personality traits. Join Jennifer Carpenter as we bring to life music that represents each of the four temperaments. Open to recorder players, upper intermediate and above, other melody players welcome! Pitch: A=440.
3-4:30pm - online (Zoom link sent to participants)
$30
https://www.amherstearlymusic.org/online-classes
The Bach Experience–Choral Music for the Spirit
Crescendo Chorus, soprano Jennifer Tyo, countertenor Nicholas Tamagna, tenor Pablo Bustos, baritone Will Doreza, with Crescendo Period Instrument Orchestra (Edson Scheid, concertmaster) directed by Christine Gevert
Featuring Johann Sebastian Bach’s Christmas Cantata “Sweet Comfort“ BWV 151, his Mass in G minor BWV 235, and festive 16th century double choir motets. In this program we explore the convergence of vibrant Italian polychoral splendor and the venerable German chorale tradition in works by Bach’s German predecessors Schröter, Weissensee, Otto, and Schein. At the heart of this program lies the profound genius of Johann Sebastian Bach, whose innovative and deeply moving vocal compositions embody the pinnacle of these magnificent styles. This concert will also be presented the previous day, Sunday, December 6, 2025 at Saint James Place in Great Barrington, MA.
4pm - St. James Place, 342 Main St. Great Barrington, MA
www.crescendomusic.org
Crescendo Chorus, soprano Jennifer Tyo, countertenor Nicholas Tamagna, tenor Pablo Bustos, baritone Will Doreza, with Crescendo Period Instrument Orchestra (Edson Scheid, concertmaster) directed by Christine Gevert
Featuring Johann Sebastian Bach’s Christmas Cantata “Sweet Comfort“ BWV 151, his Mass in G minor BWV 235, and festive 16th century double choir motets. In this program we explore the convergence of vibrant Italian polychoral splendor and the venerable German chorale tradition in works by Bach’s German predecessors Schröter, Weissensee, Otto, and Schein. At the heart of this program lies the profound genius of Johann Sebastian Bach, whose innovative and deeply moving vocal compositions embody the pinnacle of these magnificent styles. This concert will also be presented the previous day, Sunday, December 6, 2025 at Saint James Place in Great Barrington, MA.
4pm - St. James Place, 342 Main St. Great Barrington, MA
www.crescendomusic.org
A North German Christmas
Newton Baroque: Susanna Ogata & Nicole Vega, violin; Douglas Kelley, viola da gamba; Michele Kennedy, soprano; Rozime Lindsey, bass; Andrus Madsen, organ
Cantatas, sonatas, and organ music for Advent and Christmas by Buxtehude, Christian Geist, Nicolaus Bruhns, Scheideman, Rigatti and Praetorius.
4:00pm - First Lutheran Church, 299 Berkeley St. Boston, MA
https://www.newtonbaroque.org/
Newton Baroque: Susanna Ogata & Nicole Vega, violin; Douglas Kelley, viola da gamba; Michele Kennedy, soprano; Rozime Lindsey, bass; Andrus Madsen, organ
Cantatas, sonatas, and organ music for Advent and Christmas by Buxtehude, Christian Geist, Nicolaus Bruhns, Scheideman, Rigatti and Praetorius.
4:00pm - First Lutheran Church, 299 Berkeley St. Boston, MA
https://www.newtonbaroque.org/
Sing We Noel: Christmas Music from England and Early America
The Boston Camerata (Anne Azéma, director)
A much-loved Camerata holiday program returns two generations later! We celebrate Christmas in the English speaking world down through the centuries, with wonderful songs and carols from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance to early America. While most music presented here is artmusic — transcribed from old manuscripts and prints — the means of expression are generally direct and simple, with a strong folk and popular vein. Camerata’s top soloists, voices and instruments, offer a unique experience at year’s end.
7:00pm - Central Congregational Church, 14 Titcomb St. Newburyport, MA
https://bostoncamerata.org/performances/
The Boston Camerata (Anne Azéma, director)
A much-loved Camerata holiday program returns two generations later! We celebrate Christmas in the English speaking world down through the centuries, with wonderful songs and carols from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance to early America. While most music presented here is artmusic — transcribed from old manuscripts and prints — the means of expression are generally direct and simple, with a strong folk and popular vein. Camerata’s top soloists, voices and instruments, offer a unique experience at year’s end.
7:00pm - Central Congregational Church, 14 Titcomb St. Newburyport, MA
https://bostoncamerata.org/performances/
An Amarcord Christmas
Amarcord: Wolfram Lattke, tenor; Robert Pohlers, tenor; Frank Ozimek, baritone; Daniel Knauft, bass; Holger Krause, bass
During this festive Christmas season, there is generally more singing than at any other time of the year, and so there are a huge number of wonderful Christmas carols that come from all over the globe. Over the 30 years that Amarcord, based in Leipzig, Germany, has been singing together, they have collected a vast selection of Christmas songs and this program offers their favorites. We hope this performance will help bring the holiday spirit into your hearts, and perhaps bring you a bit of calm and inner peace during these December days.
7:00pm - St. Martins Church, 50 Orchard Ave. Providence, RI
$10-30
http://museumconcerts.org/
Amarcord: Wolfram Lattke, tenor; Robert Pohlers, tenor; Frank Ozimek, baritone; Daniel Knauft, bass; Holger Krause, bass
During this festive Christmas season, there is generally more singing than at any other time of the year, and so there are a huge number of wonderful Christmas carols that come from all over the globe. Over the 30 years that Amarcord, based in Leipzig, Germany, has been singing together, they have collected a vast selection of Christmas songs and this program offers their favorites. We hope this performance will help bring the holiday spirit into your hearts, and perhaps bring you a bit of calm and inner peace during these December days.
7:00pm - St. Martins Church, 50 Orchard Ave. Providence, RI
$10-30
http://museumconcerts.org/
Reflections
Jameson Singers
The Jameson Singers perform Brahms's emotionally-resonant four-movement motet, Warum ist das Licht gegeben, and—in celebration of Palestrina's 500th year—the "Kyrie" from his Missa Papae Marcelli. Also featuring Poulenc's Salve Regina and gems by Elgar, Erb, Thompson, and Cecilia McDowall, these concerts will warm and stir your spirit.
7:30pm - First Church in Cambridge, 11 Garden St. Cambridge, MA
$5-$45
https://www.jamesonsingers.org/concerts
Jameson Singers
The Jameson Singers perform Brahms's emotionally-resonant four-movement motet, Warum ist das Licht gegeben, and—in celebration of Palestrina's 500th year—the "Kyrie" from his Missa Papae Marcelli. Also featuring Poulenc's Salve Regina and gems by Elgar, Erb, Thompson, and Cecilia McDowall, these concerts will warm and stir your spirit.
7:30pm - First Church in Cambridge, 11 Garden St. Cambridge, MA
$5-$45
https://www.jamesonsingers.org/concerts
Sing We Nowell
Vox Lucens
Celebrate the many facets of the holiday season with us as we alternate large, late-Renaissance polyphonic music with intimate Medieval carols.
8pm - St. Anne's in-the-Fields Episcopal Church, 147 Concord Rd. Lincoln, MA
$20-25 suggested donation
https://www.voxlucens.org/
Vox Lucens
Celebrate the many facets of the holiday season with us as we alternate large, late-Renaissance polyphonic music with intimate Medieval carols.
8pm - St. Anne's in-the-Fields Episcopal Church, 147 Concord Rd. Lincoln, MA
$20-25 suggested donation
https://www.voxlucens.org/
Sunday, December 7
Introduction to Historical Harps
Anna O'Connell, harps
Join Anna O’Connell to learn the difference between a romanesque and a gothic harp, or an arpa doppia and a Spanish double. This presentation covers a wide scope of historical harps before the mid-18th century, and the way in which theory and technology communicate to match the musical zeitgeist. This session will be a lecture and play along—as we learn about different harps, we’ll play through examples of different repertoires and notations for these harps, so come prepared with any harp or your instrument of choice! Open to instrumentalists and singers of all levels. Pitch: A=440.
1-2:30pm - online (Zoom link sent to participants)
$30
https://www.amherstearlymusic.org/online-classes
Anna O'Connell, harps
Join Anna O’Connell to learn the difference between a romanesque and a gothic harp, or an arpa doppia and a Spanish double. This presentation covers a wide scope of historical harps before the mid-18th century, and the way in which theory and technology communicate to match the musical zeitgeist. This session will be a lecture and play along—as we learn about different harps, we’ll play through examples of different repertoires and notations for these harps, so come prepared with any harp or your instrument of choice! Open to instrumentalists and singers of all levels. Pitch: A=440.
1-2:30pm - online (Zoom link sent to participants)
$30
https://www.amherstearlymusic.org/online-classes
Nowell Sing We: Songs for the Season, Songs for the Solstice
Emily Eagen, voice
As the days grow darker, come sing songs to warm the spirit! We'll look at a wide range of medieval, renaissance, and early baroque songs that evoke the sacred and secular celebrations of the season and capture the beauty and mystery of wintertime. Repertoire will be drawn from medieval English carols, broadside ballads, Spanish villancicos, French and German carols, and more! With an emphasis on repertoire that you can get up and running right away, we'll fold in vocal technique tips to help you make the songs really sing, and discuss ideas for how to perform these songs both as solo and ensemble music. These are wonderful melodies to play as well as sing, and all singers and instrumentalists are welcome! Pitch: A=440.
3-4:30pm - online (Zoom link sent to participants)
$30
https://www.amherstearlymusic.org/online-classes
Emily Eagen, voice
As the days grow darker, come sing songs to warm the spirit! We'll look at a wide range of medieval, renaissance, and early baroque songs that evoke the sacred and secular celebrations of the season and capture the beauty and mystery of wintertime. Repertoire will be drawn from medieval English carols, broadside ballads, Spanish villancicos, French and German carols, and more! With an emphasis on repertoire that you can get up and running right away, we'll fold in vocal technique tips to help you make the songs really sing, and discuss ideas for how to perform these songs both as solo and ensemble music. These are wonderful melodies to play as well as sing, and all singers and instrumentalists are welcome! Pitch: A=440.
3-4:30pm - online (Zoom link sent to participants)
$30
https://www.amherstearlymusic.org/online-classes
Reflections
Jameson Singers
The Jameson Singers perform Brahms's emotionally-resonant four-movement motet, Warum ist das Licht gegeben, and—in celebration of Palestrina's 500th year—the "Kyrie" from his Missa Papae Marcelli. Also featuring Poulenc's Salve Regina and gems by Elgar, Erb, Thompson, and Cecilia McDowall, these concerts will warm and stir your spirit.
3:00pm - Grace Episcopal Church, 76 Eldredge St. Newton, MA
$5-$45
https://www.jamesonsingers.org/concerts
Jameson Singers
The Jameson Singers perform Brahms's emotionally-resonant four-movement motet, Warum ist das Licht gegeben, and—in celebration of Palestrina's 500th year—the "Kyrie" from his Missa Papae Marcelli. Also featuring Poulenc's Salve Regina and gems by Elgar, Erb, Thompson, and Cecilia McDowall, these concerts will warm and stir your spirit.
3:00pm - Grace Episcopal Church, 76 Eldredge St. Newton, MA
$5-$45
https://www.jamesonsingers.org/concerts
A North German Christmas
Newton Baroque: Susanna Ogata & Nicole Vega, violin; Douglas Kelley, viola da gamba; Michele Kennedy, soprano; Rozime Lindsey, bass; Andrus Madsen, organ
Cantatas, sonatas, and organ music for Advent and Christmas by Buxtehude, Christian Geist, Nicolaus Bruhns, Scheideman, Rigatti and Praetorius.
3:00pm - St. Elizabeth’s Church, 1 Morse Rd, Sudbury, MA
https://www.newtonbaroque.org/
Newton Baroque: Susanna Ogata & Nicole Vega, violin; Douglas Kelley, viola da gamba; Michele Kennedy, soprano; Rozime Lindsey, bass; Andrus Madsen, organ
Cantatas, sonatas, and organ music for Advent and Christmas by Buxtehude, Christian Geist, Nicolaus Bruhns, Scheideman, Rigatti and Praetorius.
3:00pm - St. Elizabeth’s Church, 1 Morse Rd, Sudbury, MA
https://www.newtonbaroque.org/
Sing We Noel: Christmas Music from England and Early America
The Boston Camerata (Anne Azéma, director)
A much-loved Camerata holiday program returns two generations later! We celebrate Christmas in the English speaking world down through the centuries, with wonderful songs and carols from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance to early America. While most music presented here is artmusic — transcribed from old manuscripts and prints — the means of expression are generally direct and simple, with a strong folk and popular vein. Camerata’s top soloists, voices and instruments, offer a unique experience at year’s end.
4:00pm - Gordon Chapel at Old South Church, 645 Boylston St. Boston, MA
https://bostoncamerata.org/performances/
The Boston Camerata (Anne Azéma, director)
A much-loved Camerata holiday program returns two generations later! We celebrate Christmas in the English speaking world down through the centuries, with wonderful songs and carols from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance to early America. While most music presented here is artmusic — transcribed from old manuscripts and prints — the means of expression are generally direct and simple, with a strong folk and popular vein. Camerata’s top soloists, voices and instruments, offer a unique experience at year’s end.
4:00pm - Gordon Chapel at Old South Church, 645 Boylston St. Boston, MA
https://bostoncamerata.org/performances/
The Bach Experience–Choral Music for the Spirit
Crescendo Chorus, soprano Jennifer Tyo, countertenor, Nicholas Tamagna, tenor, Pablo Bustos, baritone, Will Doreza, with Crescendo Period Instrument Orchestra (Edson Scheid, concertmaster) directed by Christine Gevert
Featuring Johann Sebastian Bach’s Christmas Cantata “Sweet Comfort“ BWV 151, his Mass in G minor BWV 235, and festive 16th century double choir motets. In this program we explore the convergence of vibrant Italian polychoral splendor and the venerable German chorale tradition in works by Bach’s German predecessors Schröter, Weissensee, Otto, and Schein. At the heart of this program lies the profound genius of Johann Sebastian Bach, whose innovative and deeply moving vocal compositions embody the pinnacle of these magnificent styles. This concert will also be presented the previous day, Sunday, December 6, 2025 at Saint James Place in Great Barrington, MA.
4pm - Trinity Lime Rock, 484 Lime Rock Rd. Lakeville, CT
www.crescendomusic.org
Crescendo Chorus, soprano Jennifer Tyo, countertenor, Nicholas Tamagna, tenor, Pablo Bustos, baritone, Will Doreza, with Crescendo Period Instrument Orchestra (Edson Scheid, concertmaster) directed by Christine Gevert
Featuring Johann Sebastian Bach’s Christmas Cantata “Sweet Comfort“ BWV 151, his Mass in G minor BWV 235, and festive 16th century double choir motets. In this program we explore the convergence of vibrant Italian polychoral splendor and the venerable German chorale tradition in works by Bach’s German predecessors Schröter, Weissensee, Otto, and Schein. At the heart of this program lies the profound genius of Johann Sebastian Bach, whose innovative and deeply moving vocal compositions embody the pinnacle of these magnificent styles. This concert will also be presented the previous day, Sunday, December 6, 2025 at Saint James Place in Great Barrington, MA.
4pm - Trinity Lime Rock, 484 Lime Rock Rd. Lakeville, CT
www.crescendomusic.org
Miniature Nutcracker
Arpeggione: Andrea LeBlanc, flute, Thomas Carroll, clarinet, Kyra Davies, violin, Anna Seda, cello, April Sun, piano
Welcome the holidays with Arpeggione’s own miniature rendering of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker! Our vision is both nostalgic and new, combining your favorite music with homemade Nutcracker-inspired sweets and beverages and readings from the E.T.A. Hoffman classic. Pull up a chair around the fire and feel like you’ve stepped into a very special, welcoming, and timeless home.
4pm - Waring School, 35 Standley St, Beverly
$40 general/$25 under 12. Ticket price includes homemade cookies, sugarplums, and beverages, made with love.
https://www.arpeggione-ensemble.com/
Arpeggione: Andrea LeBlanc, flute, Thomas Carroll, clarinet, Kyra Davies, violin, Anna Seda, cello, April Sun, piano
Welcome the holidays with Arpeggione’s own miniature rendering of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker! Our vision is both nostalgic and new, combining your favorite music with homemade Nutcracker-inspired sweets and beverages and readings from the E.T.A. Hoffman classic. Pull up a chair around the fire and feel like you’ve stepped into a very special, welcoming, and timeless home.
4pm - Waring School, 35 Standley St, Beverly
$40 general/$25 under 12. Ticket price includes homemade cookies, sugarplums, and beverages, made with love.
https://www.arpeggione-ensemble.com/
Love Songs and Lullabies: The Sephardic Diaspora from The Balkans to New Mexico
Temple Shir Tikva Band (Vivian Montgomery, director) with Hollis Schachner soprano, Alexandra Reyna, mezzo-soprano, Pablo Kennedy, lute, double bass, Jeffrey Stock, recorder
Shir Chutzpa performs a rich array of ladino songs and Sephardic melodies.
7:00pm - Temple Shir Tikva, 141 Boston Post Road, Wayland MA; and livestreamed.
$25, payable in advance or at the door
https://templeshirtikva.shulcloud.com/event/shir-chutzpa-concert.html
Temple Shir Tikva Band (Vivian Montgomery, director) with Hollis Schachner soprano, Alexandra Reyna, mezzo-soprano, Pablo Kennedy, lute, double bass, Jeffrey Stock, recorder
Shir Chutzpa performs a rich array of ladino songs and Sephardic melodies.
7:00pm - Temple Shir Tikva, 141 Boston Post Road, Wayland MA; and livestreamed.
$25, payable in advance or at the door
https://templeshirtikva.shulcloud.com/event/shir-chutzpa-concert.html
Tuesday, December 9
Breathe with Bach
Emily O'Brien, recorders
Breathe with Bach takes the musicians of Emmanuel Music out into the community, partnering with neighborhood branches of the Boston Public Library to present an hour of music, Bach and Bach adjacent, at BPL locations across the city. Listeners can experience Breathe with Bach as they choose, whether that’s pulling up a chair as you would at a concert, passing by for a few minutes to enjoy the sounds, or using the music as a soundtrack to do work, read, or contemplate. We encourage you to chat with the musicians if you feel inclined - it's a great way to get to know Emmanuel Music and to learn about our work in the community!
10:30am - Lower Mills Branch of the BPL, 27 Richmond Street, Boston, MA
FREE
https://www.emmanuelmusic.org/performance-info/bach-for-you
Emily O'Brien, recorders
Breathe with Bach takes the musicians of Emmanuel Music out into the community, partnering with neighborhood branches of the Boston Public Library to present an hour of music, Bach and Bach adjacent, at BPL locations across the city. Listeners can experience Breathe with Bach as they choose, whether that’s pulling up a chair as you would at a concert, passing by for a few minutes to enjoy the sounds, or using the music as a soundtrack to do work, read, or contemplate. We encourage you to chat with the musicians if you feel inclined - it's a great way to get to know Emmanuel Music and to learn about our work in the community!
10:30am - Lower Mills Branch of the BPL, 27 Richmond Street, Boston, MA
FREE
https://www.emmanuelmusic.org/performance-info/bach-for-you
Fairies and Queens
Five College Early Music Program (Allison Monroe, director)
The ensembles of the Five College Early Music Program present a music and highly abridged version of Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream"--with only the fairies left in! In our version, the music of Henry Purcell, John Dowland, and other 17th-century. composers takes center stage, featuring voices, lutes, viols, recorders, harpsichord, and more. Come, be enchanted!
6pm - St. John's Episcopal Church, 48 Elm St. Northampton, MA
FREE and open to the public
Five College Early Music Program (Allison Monroe, director)
The ensembles of the Five College Early Music Program present a music and highly abridged version of Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream"--with only the fairies left in! In our version, the music of Henry Purcell, John Dowland, and other 17th-century. composers takes center stage, featuring voices, lutes, viols, recorders, harpsichord, and more. Come, be enchanted!
6pm - St. John's Episcopal Church, 48 Elm St. Northampton, MA
FREE and open to the public
Thursday, December 11
Miniature Nutcracker
Arpeggione: Andrea LeBlanc, flute, Thomas Carroll, clarinet, Kyra Davies, violin, Anna Seda, cello, April Sun, piano
njoy a vintage holiday entertainment with this special concert at the Eustis Estate. Arpeggione Ensemble presents The Nutcracker, combining your favorite music from the 1892 Tchaikovsky ballet with readings from the E.T.A. Hoffman classic it is based on, "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King." Before the ballet was a popular holiday tradition, families and friends would have experienced the story of the Nutcracker in evenings just like this.
7pm - Eusits Estate, Milton, MA
$40-50
https://www.arpeggione-ensemble.com/
Arpeggione: Andrea LeBlanc, flute, Thomas Carroll, clarinet, Kyra Davies, violin, Anna Seda, cello, April Sun, piano
njoy a vintage holiday entertainment with this special concert at the Eustis Estate. Arpeggione Ensemble presents The Nutcracker, combining your favorite music from the 1892 Tchaikovsky ballet with readings from the E.T.A. Hoffman classic it is based on, "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King." Before the ballet was a popular holiday tradition, families and friends would have experienced the story of the Nutcracker in evenings just like this.
7pm - Eusits Estate, Milton, MA
$40-50
https://www.arpeggione-ensemble.com/
Friday, December 12
Solo Works of J.S. Bach
Shunske Sato, violin
Known for his dramatic and revelatory performances, Shunske Sato was artistic leader and concertmaster of the Netherlands Bach Society from 2013 to 2023. Experience his consummate artistry in person at an intimate recital of solo violin works by Bach.
5pm - First Presbyterian Church, 704 Whitney Ave. New have, CT
Free; no tickets required. Performer remarks begin at 5p.m., music starts around 5:15 p.m.
https://www.elmcityconsort.org/shunske-sato-violin.
Shunske Sato, violin
Known for his dramatic and revelatory performances, Shunske Sato was artistic leader and concertmaster of the Netherlands Bach Society from 2013 to 2023. Experience his consummate artistry in person at an intimate recital of solo violin works by Bach.
5pm - First Presbyterian Church, 704 Whitney Ave. New have, CT
Free; no tickets required. Performer remarks begin at 5p.m., music starts around 5:15 p.m.
https://www.elmcityconsort.org/shunske-sato-violin.
O Western Wind
Tactus Ensemble Cambridge (Hugh Hinton, director)
Tactus Ensemble Cambridge is a choir that specializes in singing Renaissance a cappella music, presenting programs twice yearly. The major work on this program will be the “Western Wind” Mass of John Sheppard, composed upon a popular 16th-century folk tune. Other works will include Renaissance Christmas music from a variety of composers, including Victoria, Handl, Mouton and Gabrieli, as well as the original 1591 version of the Coventry Carol. Come celebrate the Christmas season with an hour of peace and serenity.
7:30pm - St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 838 Massachusetts Ave. Cambridge, MA
https://www.tactusensemble.com/
Tactus Ensemble Cambridge (Hugh Hinton, director)
Tactus Ensemble Cambridge is a choir that specializes in singing Renaissance a cappella music, presenting programs twice yearly. The major work on this program will be the “Western Wind” Mass of John Sheppard, composed upon a popular 16th-century folk tune. Other works will include Renaissance Christmas music from a variety of composers, including Victoria, Handl, Mouton and Gabrieli, as well as the original 1591 version of the Coventry Carol. Come celebrate the Christmas season with an hour of peace and serenity.
7:30pm - St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 838 Massachusetts Ave. Cambridge, MA
https://www.tactusensemble.com/
Holiday Organ Concert
Miyuki Tsurutani, organ, and members of the Boston Recorder Orchestra
Joyful holiday music on First Church’s grand pipe organ with recorder ensemble.
8:00pm - First Church in Cambridge, 11 Garden Street, Cambridge, MA
Free, Donations gratefully accepted
bostonrecorderorchestra.com
Miyuki Tsurutani, organ, and members of the Boston Recorder Orchestra
Joyful holiday music on First Church’s grand pipe organ with recorder ensemble.
8:00pm - First Church in Cambridge, 11 Garden Street, Cambridge, MA
Free, Donations gratefully accepted
bostonrecorderorchestra.com
Saturday, December 13
A Festive Afternoon of Concertos by Bach, Vivaldi and Telemann
New England Baroque: Ian Watson, harpsichord, Susanna Ogata, violin, Guy Fishman cello, Héloïse Degrugillier, recorder
3:00pm - The Plymouth Church in Framingham, 87 Edgell Road, Framingham MA
$10-40
https://www.newenglandbaroque.org/#ourconcerts
New England Baroque: Ian Watson, harpsichord, Susanna Ogata, violin, Guy Fishman cello, Héloïse Degrugillier, recorder
3:00pm - The Plymouth Church in Framingham, 87 Edgell Road, Framingham MA
$10-40
https://www.newenglandbaroque.org/#ourconcerts
Christmas by Candlelight
Aurora Camerata (James Kennerley, director)
We invite you to a luminous candlelit celebration of the Christmas season. Under the direction of James Kennerley, this immersive program weaves together sacred and secular works spanning nearly a millennium, including transcendent music from Hildegard of Bingen to John Taverner. Performed in stunning historic spaces aglow with candlelight, this concert is a visual and musical feast for the senses. From the solemn beauty of Advent chant to beloved carols and festive songs, the evening captures the mystery, joy, and wonder of the season. At just 75 minutes, the performance welcomes all ages—and even includes a chance to join in the tradition of Wassailing!
3pm - St. Luke's Cathedral, 143 State St. Portland, ME
https://auroracamerata.org/christmas-by-candlelight-2/
Aurora Camerata (James Kennerley, director)
We invite you to a luminous candlelit celebration of the Christmas season. Under the direction of James Kennerley, this immersive program weaves together sacred and secular works spanning nearly a millennium, including transcendent music from Hildegard of Bingen to John Taverner. Performed in stunning historic spaces aglow with candlelight, this concert is a visual and musical feast for the senses. From the solemn beauty of Advent chant to beloved carols and festive songs, the evening captures the mystery, joy, and wonder of the season. At just 75 minutes, the performance welcomes all ages—and even includes a chance to join in the tradition of Wassailing!
3pm - St. Luke's Cathedral, 143 State St. Portland, ME
https://auroracamerata.org/christmas-by-candlelight-2/
Christmas in the Bach Workshop
Musicians of the Old Post Road with Michele Kennedy, soprano, Sophie Michaux, mezzo, Jason McStoots, tenor, Daniel Fridley, bass
Celebrate the season with festive arias, cantatas, and instrumental works by J. S. Bach, his students, and family members! J.C.F. Bach’s charming mini-oratorio Die Kindheit Jesu is showcased along with other creative fruitings by Bach's industrious protégés.
4pm - First Unitarian Church, 90 Main Street, Worcester, MA and online
$35-55
www.oldpostroad.org
Musicians of the Old Post Road with Michele Kennedy, soprano, Sophie Michaux, mezzo, Jason McStoots, tenor, Daniel Fridley, bass
Celebrate the season with festive arias, cantatas, and instrumental works by J. S. Bach, his students, and family members! J.C.F. Bach’s charming mini-oratorio Die Kindheit Jesu is showcased along with other creative fruitings by Bach's industrious protégés.
4pm - First Unitarian Church, 90 Main Street, Worcester, MA and online
$35-55
www.oldpostroad.org
Sunday, December 14
Christmas by Candlelight
Aurora Camerata (James Kennerley, director)
We invite you to a luminous candlelit celebration of the Christmas season. Under the direction of James Kennerley, this immersive program weaves together sacred and secular works spanning nearly a millennium, including transcendent music from Hildegard of Bingen to John Taverner. Performed in stunning historic spaces aglow with candlelight, this concert is a visual and musical feast for the senses. From the solemn beauty of Advent chant to beloved carols and festive songs, the evening captures the mystery, joy, and wonder of the season. At just 75 minutes, the performance welcomes all ages—and even includes a chance to join in the tradition of Wassailing!
3pm - Episcopal Church of St Mary, Falmouth, ME
https://auroracamerata.org/christmas-by-candlelight-2/
Aurora Camerata (James Kennerley, director)
We invite you to a luminous candlelit celebration of the Christmas season. Under the direction of James Kennerley, this immersive program weaves together sacred and secular works spanning nearly a millennium, including transcendent music from Hildegard of Bingen to John Taverner. Performed in stunning historic spaces aglow with candlelight, this concert is a visual and musical feast for the senses. From the solemn beauty of Advent chant to beloved carols and festive songs, the evening captures the mystery, joy, and wonder of the season. At just 75 minutes, the performance welcomes all ages—and even includes a chance to join in the tradition of Wassailing!
3pm - Episcopal Church of St Mary, Falmouth, ME
https://auroracamerata.org/christmas-by-candlelight-2/
Lessons and Carols
the Choir of Trinity Church (Fred Jodry, co-director), Choristers of Newport County, Select Choir of St. George’s School
Music of Palestrina, Faure, Praetorius, Rachmaninoff and Buxtehude.
4pm - Trinity Church, 1 Queen Anne Square, Newport, RI
A free will offering will be received to benefit the Trinity Tricentennial Organ.
https://www.trinitynewport.org/events
the Choir of Trinity Church (Fred Jodry, co-director), Choristers of Newport County, Select Choir of St. George’s School
Music of Palestrina, Faure, Praetorius, Rachmaninoff and Buxtehude.
4pm - Trinity Church, 1 Queen Anne Square, Newport, RI
A free will offering will be received to benefit the Trinity Tricentennial Organ.
https://www.trinitynewport.org/events
The Airy Violin: Music for Violin and Basso Continuo
Beantown Baroque: Sylvia Schwartz, Nate Kim, violins; Rebecca Shaw, cello; Kurt Collins, harpsichord
Join Beantown Baroque for a special benefit concert celebrating the rich and expressive repertoire for violin and continuo. The program will include solo and trio sonatas by Vivaldi, Corelli, Handel, Francœur, and other masters of the era. Your presence supports our goal to bring early music to diverse audiences throughout the greater Boston area.
4:30pm Church of Our Saviour Episcopal, 120 Center St. Middleborough, MA
$30 suggested donation; registration required
https://www.beantownbaroque.org/concerts
Beantown Baroque: Sylvia Schwartz, Nate Kim, violins; Rebecca Shaw, cello; Kurt Collins, harpsichord
Join Beantown Baroque for a special benefit concert celebrating the rich and expressive repertoire for violin and continuo. The program will include solo and trio sonatas by Vivaldi, Corelli, Handel, Francœur, and other masters of the era. Your presence supports our goal to bring early music to diverse audiences throughout the greater Boston area.
4:30pm Church of Our Saviour Episcopal, 120 Center St. Middleborough, MA
$30 suggested donation; registration required
https://www.beantownbaroque.org/concerts
Wednesday, December 17
Renaissance Christmas Open Sing
Convivium Musicum (Allegra Martin, director)
Before The Messiah there was "The Boar's Head Carol!" Come join Convivium Musicum for a festive Renaissance Christmas Community Sing - enjoy singing favorite motets of the season, such as Victoria's "O Magnum Mysterium," Sweelinck's "Hodie Christus Natus Est," and works by Lassus, Byrd, and more, plus favorite carols of the period. We will sing for about an hour, then enjoy some festive goodies.
7pm - All Saints Parish, Brookline, MA
Convivium Musicum (Allegra Martin, director)
Before The Messiah there was "The Boar's Head Carol!" Come join Convivium Musicum for a festive Renaissance Christmas Community Sing - enjoy singing favorite motets of the season, such as Victoria's "O Magnum Mysterium," Sweelinck's "Hodie Christus Natus Est," and works by Lassus, Byrd, and more, plus favorite carols of the period. We will sing for about an hour, then enjoy some festive goodies.
7pm - All Saints Parish, Brookline, MA
Thursday, December 18
Stars in the Morning: A Winter Solstice Celebration
Seven Times Salt: Karen Burciaga, violin, guitar, voice; Dan Meyers, recorders, flute, percussion, voice; Josh Schreiber, bass viol, voice; Matthew Wright, lute, bandora, voice
Seven Times Salt's beloved annual concert celebrates the winter solstice and the return of the unconquered sun. We’ll perform seasonal music from across the British Isles, Europe, and the New World, including familiar carols, wintry consort tunes, festive wassailing songs, Renaissance dances, Irish reels, and always a surprise or two. Audience participation encouraged and jollity guaranteed!
7:30pm - St. John’s Episcopal Church, 705 Hale St. Beverly, MA
By donation
https://www.seventimessalt.com/
Seven Times Salt: Karen Burciaga, violin, guitar, voice; Dan Meyers, recorders, flute, percussion, voice; Josh Schreiber, bass viol, voice; Matthew Wright, lute, bandora, voice
Seven Times Salt's beloved annual concert celebrates the winter solstice and the return of the unconquered sun. We’ll perform seasonal music from across the British Isles, Europe, and the New World, including familiar carols, wintry consort tunes, festive wassailing songs, Renaissance dances, Irish reels, and always a surprise or two. Audience participation encouraged and jollity guaranteed!
7:30pm - St. John’s Episcopal Church, 705 Hale St. Beverly, MA
By donation
https://www.seventimessalt.com/
Friday, December 19
Christmas in 16th-Century Spain
Blue Heron (Scott Metcalfe, director)
Blue Heron’s Christmas celebration returns to Spain for mystical motets by Morales, vivacious villancicos by Guerrero, and a dash of comedy—Flecha’s rollicking tale of a shipwreck on Christmas Day, La Bomba.
8:00pm - First Church Congregational, 11 Garden Street, Cambridge, MA
Tickets $11.50-$95.50
www.blueheron.org
Blue Heron (Scott Metcalfe, director)
Blue Heron’s Christmas celebration returns to Spain for mystical motets by Morales, vivacious villancicos by Guerrero, and a dash of comedy—Flecha’s rollicking tale of a shipwreck on Christmas Day, La Bomba.
8:00pm - First Church Congregational, 11 Garden Street, Cambridge, MA
Tickets $11.50-$95.50
www.blueheron.org
Saturday, December 20
G.F. Händel's Messiah
Connecticut Early Music Society
2pm - Harkness CHapel, Connecticut College, New London, CT
$10-50
https://www.ctearlymusic.org/
Connecticut Early Music Society
2pm - Harkness CHapel, Connecticut College, New London, CT
$10-50
https://www.ctearlymusic.org/
Christmas in 16th-Century Spain
Blue Heron (Scott Metcalfe, director)
Blue Heron’s Christmas celebration returns to Spain for mystical motets by Morales, vivacious villancicos by Guerrero, and a dash of comedy—Flecha’s rollicking tale of a shipwreck on Christmas Day, La Bomba.
3:00pm - First Church Congregational, 11 Garden Street, Cambridge, MA
Tickets $11.50-$95.50
www.blueheron.org
Blue Heron (Scott Metcalfe, director)
Blue Heron’s Christmas celebration returns to Spain for mystical motets by Morales, vivacious villancicos by Guerrero, and a dash of comedy—Flecha’s rollicking tale of a shipwreck on Christmas Day, La Bomba.
3:00pm - First Church Congregational, 11 Garden Street, Cambridge, MA
Tickets $11.50-$95.50
www.blueheron.org
A German Holiday: Works for Advent and Christmas by Bach and Zelenka
Arcadia Players
The showpiece of this concert will be the Missa Dei Filii (Mass for the Son of God) by Jan Dismas Zelenka, this distinctive and often overlooked composer's most ebullient choral work. Zelenka's music is original, distinctive, and offers dazzling rewards to the listener. Accompanying the Mass on the program are selections from the Cantatas for Advent and Christmas by Zelenka's admirer, Johann Sebastian Bach.
3pm - Grace Episcopal Church, 14 Bollywood Ave. Amherst, MA
$10-40
https://www.arcadiaplayers.org/concert-season.html
Arcadia Players
The showpiece of this concert will be the Missa Dei Filii (Mass for the Son of God) by Jan Dismas Zelenka, this distinctive and often overlooked composer's most ebullient choral work. Zelenka's music is original, distinctive, and offers dazzling rewards to the listener. Accompanying the Mass on the program are selections from the Cantatas for Advent and Christmas by Zelenka's admirer, Johann Sebastian Bach.
3pm - Grace Episcopal Church, 14 Bollywood Ave. Amherst, MA
$10-40
https://www.arcadiaplayers.org/concert-season.html
A New England Christmas
Silentwoods Collective
Celebrate this holiday season with the musicians of Silentwoods Collective! Join us at the James A. Tuttle Library’s Festival of Trees, and enjoy this varied Christmas special packed with holiday themed music from Early New England and beyond. Refreshments to follow.
7pm - Antrim Historical Society 45 Main St, Antrim, NH
https://silentwoodscollective.org/
Silentwoods Collective
Celebrate this holiday season with the musicians of Silentwoods Collective! Join us at the James A. Tuttle Library’s Festival of Trees, and enjoy this varied Christmas special packed with holiday themed music from Early New England and beyond. Refreshments to follow.
7pm - Antrim Historical Society 45 Main St, Antrim, NH
https://silentwoodscollective.org/
Christmas in 16th-Century Spain
Blue Heron (Scott Metcalfe, director)
Blue Heron’s Christmas celebration returns to Spain for mystical motets by Morales, vivacious villancicos by Guerrero, and a dash of comedy—Flecha’s rollicking tale of a shipwreck on Christmas Day, La Bomba.
8:00pm - First Church Congregational, 11 Garden Street, Cambridge, MA
Tickets $11.50-$95.50
www.blueheron.org
Blue Heron (Scott Metcalfe, director)
Blue Heron’s Christmas celebration returns to Spain for mystical motets by Morales, vivacious villancicos by Guerrero, and a dash of comedy—Flecha’s rollicking tale of a shipwreck on Christmas Day, La Bomba.
8:00pm - First Church Congregational, 11 Garden Street, Cambridge, MA
Tickets $11.50-$95.50
www.blueheron.org
Monday, December 22
A Baroque Christmas
Silentwoods Collective
Celebrate this holiday season with the musicians of Silentwoods Collective! Join us at the Antrim Presbyterian Church, and enjoy this varied Christmas special packed with holiday themed music from early New England and beyond. Refreshments to follow.
7pm - First Presbyterian Church, 73 Main St. Antrim, NH
Free admission (donations appreciated), RSVP required
https://silentwoodscollective.org/
Silentwoods Collective
Celebrate this holiday season with the musicians of Silentwoods Collective! Join us at the Antrim Presbyterian Church, and enjoy this varied Christmas special packed with holiday themed music from early New England and beyond. Refreshments to follow.
7pm - First Presbyterian Church, 73 Main St. Antrim, NH
Free admission (donations appreciated), RSVP required
https://silentwoodscollective.org/
Stars in the Morning: A Winter Solstice Celebration
Seven Times Salt: Karen Burciaga, violin, guitar, voice; Dan Meyers, recorders, flute, percussion, voice; Josh Schreiber, bass viol, voice; Matthew Wright, lute, bandora, voice
Seven Times Salt's beloved annual concert celebrates the winter solstice and the return of the unconquered sun. We’ll perform seasonal music from across the British Isles, Europe, and the New World, including familiar carols, wintry consort tunes, festive wassailing songs, Renaissance dances, Irish reels, and always a surprise or two. Audience participation encouraged and jollity guaranteed!
7:30pm - Church of the Good Shepherd, 9 Russell Ave. Watertown, MA
By donation ($20 suggested)
https://www.seventimessalt.com/
Seven Times Salt: Karen Burciaga, violin, guitar, voice; Dan Meyers, recorders, flute, percussion, voice; Josh Schreiber, bass viol, voice; Matthew Wright, lute, bandora, voice
Seven Times Salt's beloved annual concert celebrates the winter solstice and the return of the unconquered sun. We’ll perform seasonal music from across the British Isles, Europe, and the New World, including familiar carols, wintry consort tunes, festive wassailing songs, Renaissance dances, Irish reels, and always a surprise or two. Audience participation encouraged and jollity guaranteed!
7:30pm - Church of the Good Shepherd, 9 Russell Ave. Watertown, MA
By donation ($20 suggested)
https://www.seventimessalt.com/
Tuesday, December 30
Bach at New Year's--The Six Brandenburg Concertos
Berkshire Bach
Our holiday favorite returns with Artistic Director Eugene Drucker leading the Berkshire Bach Ensemble in performances of all six iconic ‘Brandenburg’ Concertos, in three venues. This year’s event is dedicated in memoriam to BBS’s longtime chairman, Adrian van Zon, who did more than anyone to secure the concert series as a core Berkshires tradition since 1993. Come celebrate his legacy!
7pm - Academy of Music |Northampton, MA
Wednesday, December 31, 2025 | 6pm - The Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, Great Barrington, MA
https://berkshirebach.org/events
Berkshire Bach
Our holiday favorite returns with Artistic Director Eugene Drucker leading the Berkshire Bach Ensemble in performances of all six iconic ‘Brandenburg’ Concertos, in three venues. This year’s event is dedicated in memoriam to BBS’s longtime chairman, Adrian van Zon, who did more than anyone to secure the concert series as a core Berkshires tradition since 1993. Come celebrate his legacy!
7pm - Academy of Music |Northampton, MA
Wednesday, December 31, 2025 | 6pm - The Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, Great Barrington, MA
https://berkshirebach.org/events
Wednesday, December 31
Bach at New Year's--The Six Brandenburg Concertos
Berkshire Bach
Our holiday favorite returns with Artistic Director Eugene Drucker leading the Berkshire Bach Ensemble in performances of all six iconic ‘Brandenburg’ Concertos, in three venues. This year’s event is dedicated in memoriam to BBS’s longtime chairman, Adrian van Zon, who did more than anyone to secure the concert series as a core Berkshires tradition since 1993. Come celebrate his legacy!
6pm - The Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, Great Barrington, MA
https://berkshirebach.org/events
Berkshire Bach
Our holiday favorite returns with Artistic Director Eugene Drucker leading the Berkshire Bach Ensemble in performances of all six iconic ‘Brandenburg’ Concertos, in three venues. This year’s event is dedicated in memoriam to BBS’s longtime chairman, Adrian van Zon, who did more than anyone to secure the concert series as a core Berkshires tradition since 1993. Come celebrate his legacy!
6pm - The Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, Great Barrington, MA
https://berkshirebach.org/events