Sunday, December 1
Telemann’s Don Quichotte
Christian Immler, Jason McStoots, Emily Siar, Michael Galvin, Cody Bowers, Richard Pittsinger, Jason Augustus Rober, voices, and BEMF's Vocal Ensemble, Dance Company, and Chamber Ensemble (Robert Mealy, Concertmaster); Paul O’Dette & Stephen Stubbs, Musical Directors, Gilbert Blin, Stage Director
Cervantes’s wayward knight is brought to life through the irresistible music of Georg Philipp Telemann! Join the singers, dancers, instrumentalists, and directors of the GRAMMY-winning BEMF Chamber Opera Series for a special presentation of two masterworks by Telemann. Enjoy a rare staged performance of Telemann’s lovely serenata, Don Quichotte auf der Hochzeit des Comacho, which sees Don Quixote and his squire Sancho Panza stumble upon the wedding of wealthy sheep rancher Comacho to the beautiful Quiteria—but her childhood sweetheart Basilio is ready to disrupt the festivities even if it’s the last thing he ever does! Woven throughout the entertainment will be movements from Telemann’s delightful orchestral suite Burlesque de Don Quichotte, a work that uses strikingly evocative music to depict various episodes from the classic novel by Cervantes.
3PM - New England Conservatory's Jordan Hall, Boston, MA
VIRTUAL PREMIERE: Sunday, December 15, 2024 at 8pm (ET)
Available to watch until December 29, 2024 at 11:59pm (ET)
https://bemf.org/concert-season/chamber-opera/
Christian Immler, Jason McStoots, Emily Siar, Michael Galvin, Cody Bowers, Richard Pittsinger, Jason Augustus Rober, voices, and BEMF's Vocal Ensemble, Dance Company, and Chamber Ensemble (Robert Mealy, Concertmaster); Paul O’Dette & Stephen Stubbs, Musical Directors, Gilbert Blin, Stage Director
Cervantes’s wayward knight is brought to life through the irresistible music of Georg Philipp Telemann! Join the singers, dancers, instrumentalists, and directors of the GRAMMY-winning BEMF Chamber Opera Series for a special presentation of two masterworks by Telemann. Enjoy a rare staged performance of Telemann’s lovely serenata, Don Quichotte auf der Hochzeit des Comacho, which sees Don Quixote and his squire Sancho Panza stumble upon the wedding of wealthy sheep rancher Comacho to the beautiful Quiteria—but her childhood sweetheart Basilio is ready to disrupt the festivities even if it’s the last thing he ever does! Woven throughout the entertainment will be movements from Telemann’s delightful orchestral suite Burlesque de Don Quichotte, a work that uses strikingly evocative music to depict various episodes from the classic novel by Cervantes.
3PM - New England Conservatory's Jordan Hall, Boston, MA
VIRTUAL PREMIERE: Sunday, December 15, 2024 at 8pm (ET)
Available to watch until December 29, 2024 at 11:59pm (ET)
https://bemf.org/concert-season/chamber-opera/
Thursday, December 5
A Medieval Christmas: Hodie Christus Natus Est
The Boston Camerata (Anne Azéma, director)
Transcendent Christmas music featuring a superb all-female ensemble of voices and instruments. The sounds of Christmas spirituality from Medieval France, Italy, England, and Provence, including music of the church and songs of private devotion around the joyous theme of the Nativity. Included are songs to the Virgin Mary, processionals from Saint Martial of Limoges, hymns, lyrics, and miracle ballads sung in Latin, Old French, Old Provençal, and Saxon, interlaced with Medieval English texts of the Nativity.
3pm - Lincoln Theater, 2 Theater St. Damariscotta, ME
https://bostoncamerata.org/performances/
The Boston Camerata (Anne Azéma, director)
Transcendent Christmas music featuring a superb all-female ensemble of voices and instruments. The sounds of Christmas spirituality from Medieval France, Italy, England, and Provence, including music of the church and songs of private devotion around the joyous theme of the Nativity. Included are songs to the Virgin Mary, processionals from Saint Martial of Limoges, hymns, lyrics, and miracle ballads sung in Latin, Old French, Old Provençal, and Saxon, interlaced with Medieval English texts of the Nativity.
3pm - Lincoln Theater, 2 Theater St. Damariscotta, ME
https://bostoncamerata.org/performances/
Friday, December 6
Bach’s Musical Library
Arnie Tanimoto, viola da gamba, and Parker Ramsay, harp and harpsichord, will explore the musical world of Bach’s youth, showcasing the wonderful variety of styles that influenced the composer in his formative years. The concert features works by Vivaldi and Telemann, alongside those of figures such as Marin Marais and Dietrich Buxtehude.
5pm - Bethesda Lutheran Church, 450 Whitney Ave., New Haven, CT
FREE
https://www.elmcityconsort.org/2024-2025-season
Arnie Tanimoto, viola da gamba, and Parker Ramsay, harp and harpsichord, will explore the musical world of Bach’s youth, showcasing the wonderful variety of styles that influenced the composer in his formative years. The concert features works by Vivaldi and Telemann, alongside those of figures such as Marin Marais and Dietrich Buxtehude.
5pm - Bethesda Lutheran Church, 450 Whitney Ave., New Haven, CT
FREE
https://www.elmcityconsort.org/2024-2025-season
Bach Christmas Cantatas
Worcester Chamber Music Society with Kristen Watson, soprano, Krista River, mezzo-soprano, Matthew Anderson, tenor, David McFerrin, bass, Kirsten Lipkens, oboe, Nathan Varga, double bass, John McKean, harpsichord
Our winter Baroque concert this year takes on a special shimmer as we join forces with guest musicians and vocalists to present J.S. Bach’s Christmas Cantatas (nos. 32, 151, and 132). Replete with rich orchestration and stunning vocal parts, this is Bach at his finest, and a perfect way to welcome the holiday season. Pre-concert talk @7:00 PM by Chris Shepherd, Artistic Director of the Worcester Chorus and The Complete Bach.
BWV 32 – Liebster Jesu, mein Verlangen
BWV 151 – Süßer Trost, mein Jesus kömmt
BWV 132 – Bereitet die Wege, bereitet die Bahn
7:30 PM - First Unitarian Church, 90 Main Street, Worcester, MA
$5-45
https://worcesterchambermusic.org/bach-christmas-cantatas/
Worcester Chamber Music Society with Kristen Watson, soprano, Krista River, mezzo-soprano, Matthew Anderson, tenor, David McFerrin, bass, Kirsten Lipkens, oboe, Nathan Varga, double bass, John McKean, harpsichord
Our winter Baroque concert this year takes on a special shimmer as we join forces with guest musicians and vocalists to present J.S. Bach’s Christmas Cantatas (nos. 32, 151, and 132). Replete with rich orchestration and stunning vocal parts, this is Bach at his finest, and a perfect way to welcome the holiday season. Pre-concert talk @7:00 PM by Chris Shepherd, Artistic Director of the Worcester Chorus and The Complete Bach.
BWV 32 – Liebster Jesu, mein Verlangen
BWV 151 – Süßer Trost, mein Jesus kömmt
BWV 132 – Bereitet die Wege, bereitet die Bahn
7:30 PM - First Unitarian Church, 90 Main Street, Worcester, MA
$5-45
https://worcesterchambermusic.org/bach-christmas-cantatas/
A Medieval Christmas: Hodie Christus Natus Est
The Boston Camerata (Anne Azéma, director)
Transcendent Christmas music featuring a superb all-female ensemble of voices and instruments. The sounds of Christmas spirituality from Medieval France, Italy, England, and Provence, including music of the church and songs of private devotion around the joyous theme of the Nativity. Included are songs to the Virgin Mary, processionals from Saint Martial of Limoges, hymns, lyrics, and miracle ballads sung in Latin, Old French, Old Provençal, and Saxon, interlaced with Medieval English texts of the Nativity.
7:30pm - First Church Unitarian Universalist, 404 Concord Ave. Belmont, MA
$35-50
https://bostoncamerata.org/performances/
The Boston Camerata (Anne Azéma, director)
Transcendent Christmas music featuring a superb all-female ensemble of voices and instruments. The sounds of Christmas spirituality from Medieval France, Italy, England, and Provence, including music of the church and songs of private devotion around the joyous theme of the Nativity. Included are songs to the Virgin Mary, processionals from Saint Martial of Limoges, hymns, lyrics, and miracle ballads sung in Latin, Old French, Old Provençal, and Saxon, interlaced with Medieval English texts of the Nativity.
7:30pm - First Church Unitarian Universalist, 404 Concord Ave. Belmont, MA
$35-50
https://bostoncamerata.org/performances/
Illustrious Women, Fortunate and Unfortunate
Tactus Ensemble (Hugh Hinton, director)
Renaissance settings of classical and sacred texts including works by Guerrero, Josquin, Willært, Dunstable, and Ockeghem.
7:30pm - St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 838 Massachusetts Ave. Cambridge, MA
FREE
http://www.tactusensemble.com/
Tactus Ensemble (Hugh Hinton, director)
Renaissance settings of classical and sacred texts including works by Guerrero, Josquin, Willært, Dunstable, and Ockeghem.
7:30pm - St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 838 Massachusetts Ave. Cambridge, MA
FREE
http://www.tactusensemble.com/
In dulci Jubilo: Music of Praetorius, von Bingen, Lassus, Victoria, and others
The Tallis Scholars (Peter Phillips, Director)
For a thousand years, plainchant represented the heart of Western “classical” music. The legendary voices of The Tallis Scholars revisit this living tradition with a transcendent celebration for the Christmas season. Director Peter Phillips leads his beloved ensemble in their 36th consecutive season performing for BEMF audiences with a journey through centuries of chant music and the polyphony constructed from it, from boundary-pushing chants composed by 12th-century abbess Hildegard von Bingen, to Renaissance works including chant-based motets such as Nunc dimittus by Lassus and Salve regina by Obrecht, Victoria, and Franco, to the medieval In dulci jubilo melody set by Praetorius and Pearsall, and to Arvo Pärt’s reconceptualizing of the chant tradition, inspired in part by Eastern Orthodox practices.
8pm - St. Paul Church, Cambridge, MA
VIRTUAL PREMIERE: Friday, December 13, 2024 at 8pm (ET)
Available to watch until December 27, 2024 at 11:59pm (ET)
https://bemf.org/concert-season/tallis-scholars/
The Tallis Scholars (Peter Phillips, Director)
For a thousand years, plainchant represented the heart of Western “classical” music. The legendary voices of The Tallis Scholars revisit this living tradition with a transcendent celebration for the Christmas season. Director Peter Phillips leads his beloved ensemble in their 36th consecutive season performing for BEMF audiences with a journey through centuries of chant music and the polyphony constructed from it, from boundary-pushing chants composed by 12th-century abbess Hildegard von Bingen, to Renaissance works including chant-based motets such as Nunc dimittus by Lassus and Salve regina by Obrecht, Victoria, and Franco, to the medieval In dulci jubilo melody set by Praetorius and Pearsall, and to Arvo Pärt’s reconceptualizing of the chant tradition, inspired in part by Eastern Orthodox practices.
8pm - St. Paul Church, Cambridge, MA
VIRTUAL PREMIERE: Friday, December 13, 2024 at 8pm (ET)
Available to watch until December 27, 2024 at 11:59pm (ET)
https://bemf.org/concert-season/tallis-scholars/
Handel's Messiah
Brown University Chorus and Providence Baroque Orchestra (Fred Jodry, director)
Frederick Jodry leads the Brown University Chorus in a performance of Handel’s Messiah (Part I, the Christmas Portion). Joining the Chorus is the Providence Baroque Orchestra.
8pm - Grace Church at 300 Westminster St, Providence RI
Tickets: $25; $15 seniors; $5 students
https://events.brown.edu/music/event/300681-handels-messiah#!view/month
Brown University Chorus and Providence Baroque Orchestra (Fred Jodry, director)
Frederick Jodry leads the Brown University Chorus in a performance of Handel’s Messiah (Part I, the Christmas Portion). Joining the Chorus is the Providence Baroque Orchestra.
8pm - Grace Church at 300 Westminster St, Providence RI
Tickets: $25; $15 seniors; $5 students
https://events.brown.edu/music/event/300681-handels-messiah#!view/month
Comfort & Joy
The Boston Cecilia (Michael Barrett, director)
An uplifting concert for the season on the theme of finding joy and solace in the face of life's challenges, with music of Johannes Brahms, William Byrd, Isabella Leonarda, Salamone Rossi and more, and featuring virtuoso harpist Eduardo Betancourt.
8:00pm - Church of the Advent, Brimmer St. Boston, MA
The December 8 performance will be live streamed for those who need it. The livestream link will be emailed to donors the week of the concert.
http://www.bostoncecilia.org/
The Boston Cecilia (Michael Barrett, director)
An uplifting concert for the season on the theme of finding joy and solace in the face of life's challenges, with music of Johannes Brahms, William Byrd, Isabella Leonarda, Salamone Rossi and more, and featuring virtuoso harpist Eduardo Betancourt.
8:00pm - Church of the Advent, Brimmer St. Boston, MA
The December 8 performance will be live streamed for those who need it. The livestream link will be emailed to donors the week of the concert.
http://www.bostoncecilia.org/
Saturday, December 7
The Breath of Winter
Jennifer Carpenter, recorder
1-2:30pm - online, Zoom link sent to participants
$30
https://www.amherstearlymusic.org/online-classes
Jennifer Carpenter, recorder
1-2:30pm - online, Zoom link sent to participants
$30
https://www.amherstearlymusic.org/online-classes
Percussion in Medieval, Renaissance, and Traditional Music (part 2)
Peter Maund, percussion
We know that a wide variety of percussion instruments were used in medieval and renaissance music, e.g., drums of all shapes and sizes, bells, cymbals, rattles, etc. We don't know what the musicians actually played on these instruments. In this class we'll explore how to add percussion to medieval and renaissance European music. We will examine different approaches and styles in playing monophonic vs. polyphonic music and how percussion can enliven (or, uh, deaden) a piece. Participants may play percussion, a melody instrument, switch from one to the other or just listen! Those who don't own a drum can use any handy percussion instrument you have at home, such as a pot, pan, cardboard box or wastebasket (preferably empty). Tuning for this class is A=440. This class builds and expands on the concepts presented in my previous AEM classes on "Percussion in Medieval and Renaissance Music”, presented in early 2023, and November 2024. Those classes however, are not a prerequisite. Everyone is welcome. Open to: all. Pitch: A=440 Hz.
3-4:30pm - online, Zoom link sent to participants
$30
https://www.amherstearlymusic.org/online-classes
Peter Maund, percussion
We know that a wide variety of percussion instruments were used in medieval and renaissance music, e.g., drums of all shapes and sizes, bells, cymbals, rattles, etc. We don't know what the musicians actually played on these instruments. In this class we'll explore how to add percussion to medieval and renaissance European music. We will examine different approaches and styles in playing monophonic vs. polyphonic music and how percussion can enliven (or, uh, deaden) a piece. Participants may play percussion, a melody instrument, switch from one to the other or just listen! Those who don't own a drum can use any handy percussion instrument you have at home, such as a pot, pan, cardboard box or wastebasket (preferably empty). Tuning for this class is A=440. This class builds and expands on the concepts presented in my previous AEM classes on "Percussion in Medieval and Renaissance Music”, presented in early 2023, and November 2024. Those classes however, are not a prerequisite. Everyone is welcome. Open to: all. Pitch: A=440 Hz.
3-4:30pm - online, Zoom link sent to participants
$30
https://www.amherstearlymusic.org/online-classes
The Baroque Big Band
Mistral
JS Bach, Vivaldi, Telemann, CPE Bach, Purcell Mistral’s annual bonanza of Baroque masterpieces, with virtuosic soloists taking turns in the spotlight. All the usual suspects plus some surprises!
4pm - West Parish Church 129 Reservation Rd, Andover, MA
https://mistralmusic.org/events/
Mistral
JS Bach, Vivaldi, Telemann, CPE Bach, Purcell Mistral’s annual bonanza of Baroque masterpieces, with virtuosic soloists taking turns in the spotlight. All the usual suspects plus some surprises!
4pm - West Parish Church 129 Reservation Rd, Andover, MA
https://mistralmusic.org/events/
Nativity: Meditations on the Annunciation, Visitation and Nativity by Biber, Bach and others
Newton Baroque: Susanna Ogata, violin, Andrus Madsen, organ
This intensely contemplative concert ventures into both the gritty and the sublime in elements related to pregnancy, expectation, childbirth, and hope, featuring three of the Mystery Sonatas by Franz Heinrich Biber: The Annunciation, the Visitation, and the Nativity, along with Baroque-style improvisation and works by Pachelbel, Muffat, and Bach. We will
perform this concert at St Elizabeth's Church in Sudbury to take advantage of the spectacular English Baroque organ built
by William Drake.
4:00 pm - St Elizabeth's Church, 1 Morse Rd., Sudbury
General admission $35.00, Senior $30.00, Student/Low Income $10.00, Under 18 free
https://www.newtonbaroque.org/concerts.html
Newton Baroque: Susanna Ogata, violin, Andrus Madsen, organ
This intensely contemplative concert ventures into both the gritty and the sublime in elements related to pregnancy, expectation, childbirth, and hope, featuring three of the Mystery Sonatas by Franz Heinrich Biber: The Annunciation, the Visitation, and the Nativity, along with Baroque-style improvisation and works by Pachelbel, Muffat, and Bach. We will
perform this concert at St Elizabeth's Church in Sudbury to take advantage of the spectacular English Baroque organ built
by William Drake.
4:00 pm - St Elizabeth's Church, 1 Morse Rd., Sudbury
General admission $35.00, Senior $30.00, Student/Low Income $10.00, Under 18 free
https://www.newtonbaroque.org/concerts.html
A Medieval Christmas: Hodie Christus Natus Est
The Boston Camerata (Anne Azéma, director)
Transcendent Christmas music featuring a superb all-female ensemble of voices and instruments. The sounds of Christmas spirituality from Medieval France, Italy, England, and Provence, including music of the church and songs of private devotion around the joyous theme of the Nativity. Included are songs to the Virgin Mary, processionals from Saint Martial of Limoges, hymns, lyrics, and miracle ballads sung in Latin, Old French, Old Provençal, and Saxon, interlaced with Medieval English texts of the Nativity.
7pm - Central Congregational Church, 14 Titcomb St. Newburyport, MA
https://bostoncamerata.org/performances/
The Boston Camerata (Anne Azéma, director)
Transcendent Christmas music featuring a superb all-female ensemble of voices and instruments. The sounds of Christmas spirituality from Medieval France, Italy, England, and Provence, including music of the church and songs of private devotion around the joyous theme of the Nativity. Included are songs to the Virgin Mary, processionals from Saint Martial of Limoges, hymns, lyrics, and miracle ballads sung in Latin, Old French, Old Provençal, and Saxon, interlaced with Medieval English texts of the Nativity.
7pm - Central Congregational Church, 14 Titcomb St. Newburyport, MA
https://bostoncamerata.org/performances/
Serenity & Splendor
The Jameson Singers
Experience the magnificence of Josquin des Prez’s Benedicta es and the poignancy of Jennifer Higdon’s A Quiet Moment, the splendor of Bruckner’s Christus factus est and the serenity of Joseph Rheinberger’s Abendlied, and other delights by Mendelssohn, Busto, Schütz, and Bloch.
8pm - First Church in Cambridge, 11 Garden St. Cambridge, MA
$5-$45
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/serenity-splendor-tickets-1040211640017
The Jameson Singers
Experience the magnificence of Josquin des Prez’s Benedicta es and the poignancy of Jennifer Higdon’s A Quiet Moment, the splendor of Bruckner’s Christus factus est and the serenity of Joseph Rheinberger’s Abendlied, and other delights by Mendelssohn, Busto, Schütz, and Bloch.
8pm - First Church in Cambridge, 11 Garden St. Cambridge, MA
$5-$45
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/serenity-splendor-tickets-1040211640017
A Glorious Sight: Four Centuries of Music by Italian Women
Cambridge Chamber Singers
Discover the beautiful, yet little known, music of Renaissance, Baroque, and contemporary Italian women! Overlooked for the last 400 years, this music has come to light due to the recent scholarship of a few dedicated musicologists. Composers include Sulpitia Cesis, Raphaella Aleotti, Maddalena Casulana, Chiara Cozzolani, Leonora D’Este, Isabella Leonarda, and the contemporary Biancamaria Furgeri. In addition, the Cambridge Chamber Singers is pleased to present Alleluia (The Rose), by Cole Reyes, the winner of our 2024 international composition competition.
8:00 PM - Lindsey Chapel at Emmanuel Church, 15 Newbury Street in Boston, MA
Priority seating: $40 General admission: $25 Student/Senior: $20
https://cambridgechambersingers.org/performances/
Cambridge Chamber Singers
Discover the beautiful, yet little known, music of Renaissance, Baroque, and contemporary Italian women! Overlooked for the last 400 years, this music has come to light due to the recent scholarship of a few dedicated musicologists. Composers include Sulpitia Cesis, Raphaella Aleotti, Maddalena Casulana, Chiara Cozzolani, Leonora D’Este, Isabella Leonarda, and the contemporary Biancamaria Furgeri. In addition, the Cambridge Chamber Singers is pleased to present Alleluia (The Rose), by Cole Reyes, the winner of our 2024 international composition competition.
8:00 PM - Lindsey Chapel at Emmanuel Church, 15 Newbury Street in Boston, MA
Priority seating: $40 General admission: $25 Student/Senior: $20
https://cambridgechambersingers.org/performances/
Old North Festival Chorus Christmas Concert
Old North Festival Chorus and Orchestra (Maria van Kalken, director)with Holly Cameron, soprano; Anne Burgett, soprano; Stephanie Scarcella, mezzo-soprano; Kevin Hayden, tenor; Andrew Scoglio, baritone.
The 44th annual Old North Festival Chorus Christmas Concerts—presented each year as part of Marblehead’s Christmas Walk. Highlights of the December 2024 Festival Chorus Concerts—for chorus and full orchestra—include: Magnificat in D, by Jan Dismas Zelenka; Vom Himmel Hoch by Felix Mendelssohn; International Carol Suites: Carols of the Americas by Mark Hayes; Bellringer’s Holiday (including the Ukrainian Bell Carol) arranged by Randol Bass; Christmas Day by Gustav Holst; and other seasonal favorites.
8pm - Old North Church Meeting House, 35 Washington Street, Marblehead, MA
$35
www.onchurch.org/festivalchorus
Old North Festival Chorus and Orchestra (Maria van Kalken, director)with Holly Cameron, soprano; Anne Burgett, soprano; Stephanie Scarcella, mezzo-soprano; Kevin Hayden, tenor; Andrew Scoglio, baritone.
The 44th annual Old North Festival Chorus Christmas Concerts—presented each year as part of Marblehead’s Christmas Walk. Highlights of the December 2024 Festival Chorus Concerts—for chorus and full orchestra—include: Magnificat in D, by Jan Dismas Zelenka; Vom Himmel Hoch by Felix Mendelssohn; International Carol Suites: Carols of the Americas by Mark Hayes; Bellringer’s Holiday (including the Ukrainian Bell Carol) arranged by Randol Bass; Christmas Day by Gustav Holst; and other seasonal favorites.
8pm - Old North Church Meeting House, 35 Washington Street, Marblehead, MA
$35
www.onchurch.org/festivalchorus
Handel's Messiah
Wrocester Chorus (Chris Shepard, director) and Worcester Festival Orchestra with soprano Jennifer Sgroe, mezzo-soprano Kim Leeds, tenor Kirk Bobkowski, and bass-baritone Jason Zacher.
8pm - Mechanics Hall, 319 Main St. Worcester, MA
$7.50-$69
https://www.musicworcester.org/event/handel-messiah-2024
Wrocester Chorus (Chris Shepard, director) and Worcester Festival Orchestra with soprano Jennifer Sgroe, mezzo-soprano Kim Leeds, tenor Kirk Bobkowski, and bass-baritone Jason Zacher.
8pm - Mechanics Hall, 319 Main St. Worcester, MA
$7.50-$69
https://www.musicworcester.org/event/handel-messiah-2024
Sunday, December 8
Composer as Artisan: Baroque Composition and Modeling for Early Musicians
Nicholas Canzano, keyboards, composition
How on earth did Handel write an opera in two weeks? How was it possible for Bach to produce a cantata every week? For that matter, did Telemann ever sleep or eat? These composers wouldn’t have been able to complete works of such high quality so quickly by broodingly awaiting inspiration for the right notes — they had to use their craft! In this class, a simple method to understand the grammar and available “ingredients” of baroque repertoire will be presented. We will try to understand the basic logic by which a phrase is constructed, and then we will then use this to model our own compositions after pieces in the repertoire. An overview of a curriculum for further study will also be given. Open to: all interested musicians and composers.
1-2:30pm - online, Zoom link sent to participants
$30
https://www.amherstearlymusic.org/online-classes
Nicholas Canzano, keyboards, composition
How on earth did Handel write an opera in two weeks? How was it possible for Bach to produce a cantata every week? For that matter, did Telemann ever sleep or eat? These composers wouldn’t have been able to complete works of such high quality so quickly by broodingly awaiting inspiration for the right notes — they had to use their craft! In this class, a simple method to understand the grammar and available “ingredients” of baroque repertoire will be presented. We will try to understand the basic logic by which a phrase is constructed, and then we will then use this to model our own compositions after pieces in the repertoire. An overview of a curriculum for further study will also be given. Open to: all interested musicians and composers.
1-2:30pm - online, Zoom link sent to participants
$30
https://www.amherstearlymusic.org/online-classes
West Gallery Music Workshop - Christmas Special!
Please join us for this month's West Gallery Music workshop. We'll be singing some seasonally-appropriate music, including pieces mentioned in Thomas Hardy's "Under the Greenwood Tree." Come and sing the piece that provoked the wrath of Farmer Shiner! West Gallery Music is suitable for all voices and melodic instruments (bowed strings, bassoons, concertinas, trombones, &c.). Most of it is not particularly difficult, and is great fun to sing and play! Music books will be provided.
2-5pm - Newton Highlands Congregational Church, 54 Lincoln St. Newton, MA
Admission is free; there will be an opportunity to make a donation to help defray the expenses.
Please join us for this month's West Gallery Music workshop. We'll be singing some seasonally-appropriate music, including pieces mentioned in Thomas Hardy's "Under the Greenwood Tree." Come and sing the piece that provoked the wrath of Farmer Shiner! West Gallery Music is suitable for all voices and melodic instruments (bowed strings, bassoons, concertinas, trombones, &c.). Most of it is not particularly difficult, and is great fun to sing and play! Music books will be provided.
2-5pm - Newton Highlands Congregational Church, 54 Lincoln St. Newton, MA
Admission is free; there will be an opportunity to make a donation to help defray the expenses.
Serenity & Splendor
The Jameson Singers
Experience the magnificence of Josquin des Prez’s Benedicta es and the poignancy of Jennifer Higdon’s A Quiet Moment, the splendor of Bruckner’s Christus factus est and the serenity of Joseph Rheinberger’s Abendlied, and other delights by Mendelssohn, Busto, Schütz, and Bloch.
3pm - Second Church in Newton, 60 Highland St. West Newton, MA
$5-$45
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/serenity-splendor-tickets-1040211640017
The Jameson Singers
Experience the magnificence of Josquin des Prez’s Benedicta es and the poignancy of Jennifer Higdon’s A Quiet Moment, the splendor of Bruckner’s Christus factus est and the serenity of Joseph Rheinberger’s Abendlied, and other delights by Mendelssohn, Busto, Schütz, and Bloch.
3pm - Second Church in Newton, 60 Highland St. West Newton, MA
$5-$45
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/serenity-splendor-tickets-1040211640017
The Glorious Ones: Music of the Great Late Baroque Masters
Come hear the Vivaldi lute concerto in D, an early Handel flute sonata, a Concert Royale by Couperin, a prelude and musette for lute by Weiss, a fantasia for solo viol by Telemann, and the great Sonata in e minor for flute and basso continuo by J.S. Bach!
Performers: Ensemble Chaconne (Peter H. Bloom, baroque flute; Olav Chris Henriksen, baroque lute; Carol Lewis, viola da gamba)
3pm - Somerville Museum, One Westwood Rd. Somerville, MA
https://www.somervillemuseum.org/duo-maresienne
Come hear the Vivaldi lute concerto in D, an early Handel flute sonata, a Concert Royale by Couperin, a prelude and musette for lute by Weiss, a fantasia for solo viol by Telemann, and the great Sonata in e minor for flute and basso continuo by J.S. Bach!
Performers: Ensemble Chaconne (Peter H. Bloom, baroque flute; Olav Chris Henriksen, baroque lute; Carol Lewis, viola da gamba)
3pm - Somerville Museum, One Westwood Rd. Somerville, MA
https://www.somervillemuseum.org/duo-maresienne
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! Open to: all singers, instrumentalists also welcome. Pitch: A=440 Hz.
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! Open to: all singers, instrumentalists also welcome. Pitch: A=440 Hz.
3-4:30pm - online, Zoom link sent to participants
$30
https://www.amherstearlymusic.org/online-classes
Comfort & Joy
The Boston Cecilia (Michael Barrett, director)
An uplifting concert for the season on the theme of finding joy and solace in the face of life's challenges, with music of Johannes Brahms, William Byrd, Isabella Leonarda, Salamone Rossi and more, and featuring virtuoso harpist Eduardo Betancourt.
3:00pm - All Saints Parish, Brookline, MA
The December 8 performance will be live streamed for those who need it. The livestream link will be emailed to donors the week of the concert.
http://www.bostoncecilia.org/
The Boston Cecilia (Michael Barrett, director)
An uplifting concert for the season on the theme of finding joy and solace in the face of life's challenges, with music of Johannes Brahms, William Byrd, Isabella Leonarda, Salamone Rossi and more, and featuring virtuoso harpist Eduardo Betancourt.
3:00pm - All Saints Parish, Brookline, MA
The December 8 performance will be live streamed for those who need it. The livestream link will be emailed to donors the week of the concert.
http://www.bostoncecilia.org/
A Medieval Christmas: Hodie Christus Natus Est
The Boston Camerata (Anne Azéma, director)
Transcendent Christmas music featuring a superb all-female ensemble of voices and instruments. The sounds of Christmas spirituality from Medieval France, Italy, England, and Provence, including music of the church and songs of private devotion around the joyous theme of the Nativity. Included are songs to the Virgin Mary, processionals from Saint Martial of Limoges, hymns, lyrics, and miracle ballads sung in Latin, Old French, Old Provençal, and Saxon, interlaced with Medieval English texts of the Nativity.
4pm - Gordon Chapel at Old South Church, 645 Boylston St. Boston, MA
https://bostoncamerata.org/performances/
The Boston Camerata (Anne Azéma, director)
Transcendent Christmas music featuring a superb all-female ensemble of voices and instruments. The sounds of Christmas spirituality from Medieval France, Italy, England, and Provence, including music of the church and songs of private devotion around the joyous theme of the Nativity. Included are songs to the Virgin Mary, processionals from Saint Martial of Limoges, hymns, lyrics, and miracle ballads sung in Latin, Old French, Old Provençal, and Saxon, interlaced with Medieval English texts of the Nativity.
4pm - Gordon Chapel at Old South Church, 645 Boylston St. Boston, MA
https://bostoncamerata.org/performances/
A Glorious Sight: Four Centuries of Music by Italian Women
Cambridge Chamber Singers
Discover the beautiful, yet little known, music of Renaissance, Baroque, and contemporary Italian women! Overlooked for the last 400 years, this music has come to light due to the recent scholarship of a few dedicated musicologists. Composers include Sulpitia Cesis, Raphaella Aleotti, Maddalena Casulana, Chiara Cozzolani, Leonora D’Este, Isabella Leonarda, and the contemporary Biancamaria Furgeri. In addition, the Cambridge Chamber Singers is pleased to present Alleluia (The Rose), by Cole Reyes, the winner of our 2024 international composition competition.
4:00 PM - Parish of the Epiphany, 70 Church St in Winchester, MA
Priority seating: $40 General admission: $25 Student/Senior: $20
https://cambridgechambersingers.org/performances/
Cambridge Chamber Singers
Discover the beautiful, yet little known, music of Renaissance, Baroque, and contemporary Italian women! Overlooked for the last 400 years, this music has come to light due to the recent scholarship of a few dedicated musicologists. Composers include Sulpitia Cesis, Raphaella Aleotti, Maddalena Casulana, Chiara Cozzolani, Leonora D’Este, Isabella Leonarda, and the contemporary Biancamaria Furgeri. In addition, the Cambridge Chamber Singers is pleased to present Alleluia (The Rose), by Cole Reyes, the winner of our 2024 international composition competition.
4:00 PM - Parish of the Epiphany, 70 Church St in Winchester, MA
Priority seating: $40 General admission: $25 Student/Senior: $20
https://cambridgechambersingers.org/performances/
The Baroque Big Band
Mistral
JS Bach, Vivaldi, Telemann, CPE Bach, Purcell Mistral’s annual bonanza of Baroque masterpieces, with virtuosic soloists taking turns in the spotlight. All the usual suspects plus some surprises!
5pm - St. Paul’s Church, 15 St Paul St, Brookline, MA
https://mistralmusic.org/events/
Mistral
JS Bach, Vivaldi, Telemann, CPE Bach, Purcell Mistral’s annual bonanza of Baroque masterpieces, with virtuosic soloists taking turns in the spotlight. All the usual suspects plus some surprises!
5pm - St. Paul’s Church, 15 St Paul St, Brookline, MA
https://mistralmusic.org/events/
Miniature Nutcracker
Arpgeggione: Andrea LeBlanc, flute, Thomas Carroll, clarinet, Anna Griffis,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.
6:30pm - Waring School, 35 Standley St, Beverly
$40 general/$25 under 12. Ticket price includes homemade refreshments, made with love.
https://www.arpeggione-ensemble.com/
Arpgeggione: Andrea LeBlanc, flute, Thomas Carroll, clarinet, Anna Griffis,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.
6:30pm - Waring School, 35 Standley St, Beverly
$40 general/$25 under 12. Ticket price includes homemade refreshments, made with love.
https://www.arpeggione-ensemble.com/
Old North Festival Chorus Christmas Concert
Old North Festival Chorus and Orchestra (Maria van Kalken, director)with Holly Cameron, soprano; Anne Burgett, soprano; Stephanie Scarcella, mezzo-soprano; Kevin Hayden, tenor; Andrew Scoglio, baritone.
The 44th annual Old North Festival Chorus Christmas Concerts—presented each year as part of Marblehead’s Christmas Walk. Highlights of the December 2024 Festival Chorus Concerts—for chorus and full orchestra—include: Magnificat in D, by Jan Dismas Zelenka; Vom Himmel Hoch by Felix Mendelssohn; International Carol Suites: Carols of the Americas by Mark Hayes; Bellringer’s Holiday (including the Ukrainian Bell Carol) arranged by Randol Bass; Christmas Day by Gustav Holst; and other seasonal favorites.
7:30pm - Old North Church Meeting House, 35 Washington Street, Marblehead, MA
$35
www.onchurch.org/festivalchorus
Old North Festival Chorus and Orchestra (Maria van Kalken, director)with Holly Cameron, soprano; Anne Burgett, soprano; Stephanie Scarcella, mezzo-soprano; Kevin Hayden, tenor; Andrew Scoglio, baritone.
The 44th annual Old North Festival Chorus Christmas Concerts—presented each year as part of Marblehead’s Christmas Walk. Highlights of the December 2024 Festival Chorus Concerts—for chorus and full orchestra—include: Magnificat in D, by Jan Dismas Zelenka; Vom Himmel Hoch by Felix Mendelssohn; International Carol Suites: Carols of the Americas by Mark Hayes; Bellringer’s Holiday (including the Ukrainian Bell Carol) arranged by Randol Bass; Christmas Day by Gustav Holst; and other seasonal favorites.
7:30pm - Old North Church Meeting House, 35 Washington Street, Marblehead, MA
$35
www.onchurch.org/festivalchorus
Monday, December 9
Holiday Organ Concert
Miyuki Tsurutani, organ, and the The Boston Recorder Orchestra (John Tyson, Director)
Holiday music by J.S. Bach, C. Balbastre, C. Franck, H. Isaac, and P.I. Tchaikovsky.
7:30pm - First Church Congregational, 11 Garden Street, Cambridge, MA
Admission Free, Donations gratefully accepted
[email protected]
Miyuki Tsurutani, organ, and the The Boston Recorder Orchestra (John Tyson, Director)
Holiday music by J.S. Bach, C. Balbastre, C. Franck, H. Isaac, and P.I. Tchaikovsky.
7:30pm - First Church Congregational, 11 Garden Street, Cambridge, MA
Admission Free, Donations gratefully accepted
[email protected]
Friday, December 13
MAGNIFY!
Tiny Glass Tavern: Kimaya Diggs, soprano, guitar, Sophie Michaux, mezzo-soprano, Hanif Lawrence, tenor, Adam Simon, bass, guitar, piano, Mei Wei, piano, Jeremy Harman, cello, and Cantabile (Maki Matsui, Katrina Turner, Nina Wurgaft, James Mead, Aidan Linden, Peter Shea) + Kristen Benjamin, Ania Masinter, Rita Powell, Rebecca Rose-Langston, guest vocal ensemble
Tiny Glass Tavern kicks off our 3rd season with a joyful program of music to celebrate the end of the year: with an eclectic selection of music including excerpts of Johann Sebastian Bach's Magnificat, Arvo Pärt's Magnificat, Britten's Corpus Christi Carol, folk & pop music, carols & originals. As always, get ready to join in singing!
Music by J.S. Bach, Gesualdo, Pärt, Kimaya Diggs, Mahalia Jackson, Adam Simon, Benjamin Britten, and more.
7pm - Edwards Church, Northampton MA
General admission $20, Students/As Needed $10
https://www.tinyglasstavern.com/#/
Tiny Glass Tavern: Kimaya Diggs, soprano, guitar, Sophie Michaux, mezzo-soprano, Hanif Lawrence, tenor, Adam Simon, bass, guitar, piano, Mei Wei, piano, Jeremy Harman, cello, and Cantabile (Maki Matsui, Katrina Turner, Nina Wurgaft, James Mead, Aidan Linden, Peter Shea) + Kristen Benjamin, Ania Masinter, Rita Powell, Rebecca Rose-Langston, guest vocal ensemble
Tiny Glass Tavern kicks off our 3rd season with a joyful program of music to celebrate the end of the year: with an eclectic selection of music including excerpts of Johann Sebastian Bach's Magnificat, Arvo Pärt's Magnificat, Britten's Corpus Christi Carol, folk & pop music, carols & originals. As always, get ready to join in singing!
Music by J.S. Bach, Gesualdo, Pärt, Kimaya Diggs, Mahalia Jackson, Adam Simon, Benjamin Britten, and more.
7pm - Edwards Church, Northampton MA
General admission $20, Students/As Needed $10
https://www.tinyglasstavern.com/#/
Handel's Messiah and Vivaldi's Gloria
7pm - St. Joesph Cathedral, 145 Lowell St. Manchester, NH
$20 online or at the door
https://www.stjosephcathedralnh.org/cathedralconcert
7pm - St. Joesph Cathedral, 145 Lowell St. Manchester, NH
$20 online or at the door
https://www.stjosephcathedralnh.org/cathedralconcert
Saturday, December 14
Christmas Far & Wide
Musicians of the Old Post Road: Carley DeFranco, soprano; Carrie Cheron, mezzo-soprano; Jonas Budris, tenor
Celebrate the season with festive 18th-century yuletide music from across the Western Hemisphere! This sojourn takes you to Ireland, England, France, Poland, Germany, the Czech region, New England, and Mexico, with stellar works by Bach and Handel along with delightful rediscoveries.
4pm - Trinity Lutheran Church, 73 Lancaster Street, Worcester, MA; and streaming
$10-$55
www.oldpostroad.org
Musicians of the Old Post Road: Carley DeFranco, soprano; Carrie Cheron, mezzo-soprano; Jonas Budris, tenor
Celebrate the season with festive 18th-century yuletide music from across the Western Hemisphere! This sojourn takes you to Ireland, England, France, Poland, Germany, the Czech region, New England, and Mexico, with stellar works by Bach and Handel along with delightful rediscoveries.
4pm - Trinity Lutheran Church, 73 Lancaster Street, Worcester, MA; and streaming
$10-$55
www.oldpostroad.org
A French Christmas
Schola Cantorum (Fred Jodry, director) with Karen Burciaga, Carol Lewis, James Perretta, viols, Chris Henriksen, theorbo
Seasonal music of Marc-Antoine Charpentier, the premier French 17th-c. composer of sacred music. The delightful cantata “In Nativitatem Domini” (1675) and his Litanies to the Virgin Mary are the centerpiece of the program, and a cappella Christmas motets by Josquin and Mouton help narrate the Christmas story.
7:30pm - First Lutheran Church, Boston, MA
$30 general, $15 low income
http://scholacantorumboston.com/concerts.html
Schola Cantorum (Fred Jodry, director) with Karen Burciaga, Carol Lewis, James Perretta, viols, Chris Henriksen, theorbo
Seasonal music of Marc-Antoine Charpentier, the premier French 17th-c. composer of sacred music. The delightful cantata “In Nativitatem Domini” (1675) and his Litanies to the Virgin Mary are the centerpiece of the program, and a cappella Christmas motets by Josquin and Mouton help narrate the Christmas story.
7:30pm - First Lutheran Church, Boston, MA
$30 general, $15 low income
http://scholacantorumboston.com/concerts.html
Sunday, December 15
Community Messiah Sing
Kay Patterson, soprano, Teri Kowiak, mezzo-soprano, Jason Wang, tenor, Mar Andrew Cleveland, bass, and orchestra
Join in singing the choruses of Handel's Messiah (part 1). Scores available; please bring your won if you can. Listeners are welcome too!
1:30pm - Unitarian Universalist Society of Wellesley Hills, 309 Washington St. Wellesley, MA
FREE. Reception to follow
[email protected]
Kay Patterson, soprano, Teri Kowiak, mezzo-soprano, Jason Wang, tenor, Mar Andrew Cleveland, bass, and orchestra
Join in singing the choruses of Handel's Messiah (part 1). Scores available; please bring your won if you can. Listeners are welcome too!
1:30pm - Unitarian Universalist Society of Wellesley Hills, 309 Washington St. Wellesley, MA
FREE. Reception to follow
[email protected]
Nativity: Meditations on the Annunciation, Visitation, and Nativity
Newton Baroque: Susanna Ogata, violin, Andrus Madsen, organ, Angie Tyler and Rob Dobson, chant
Andrus Madsen, organ, and Susanna Ogata, violin, will play late 17th- and early 18th-century works, many of which are explicit meditations on Advent themes. The concert will include Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber’s Annunciation, Visitation, and the Nativity, all from the Mystery Sonatas, as well as Muffat’s exquisite D Major Sonata for Solo Violin. Andrus will also play fantasies and toccatas by Pachelbel and Bach, and will also improvise Magnificat versets in a 17th-century South German style. We invite you to step into St Cecilia's sanctuary to find yourself transported 300 years into the past for a twilight Advent meditation as if you were at a church in Salzburg.
2:00pm - St. Cecilia's Parish, 18 Belvidere St. Boston, MA
Donations welcome
NewtonBaroque.org
Newton Baroque: Susanna Ogata, violin, Andrus Madsen, organ, Angie Tyler and Rob Dobson, chant
Andrus Madsen, organ, and Susanna Ogata, violin, will play late 17th- and early 18th-century works, many of which are explicit meditations on Advent themes. The concert will include Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber’s Annunciation, Visitation, and the Nativity, all from the Mystery Sonatas, as well as Muffat’s exquisite D Major Sonata for Solo Violin. Andrus will also play fantasies and toccatas by Pachelbel and Bach, and will also improvise Magnificat versets in a 17th-century South German style. We invite you to step into St Cecilia's sanctuary to find yourself transported 300 years into the past for a twilight Advent meditation as if you were at a church in Salzburg.
2:00pm - St. Cecilia's Parish, 18 Belvidere St. Boston, MA
Donations welcome
NewtonBaroque.org
Community Messiah Sing
The Jubilate Chamber Choir will lead a community Messiah Sing of the Christmas portion of Messiah. With soloists from the Jubilate Choir. Bring your own score. All proceeds support the Tabernacle Church community programs.
3pm - Tabernacle Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, 50 Washington St. Salem, MA
$20 donation
The Jubilate Chamber Choir will lead a community Messiah Sing of the Christmas portion of Messiah. With soloists from the Jubilate Choir. Bring your own score. All proceeds support the Tabernacle Church community programs.
3pm - Tabernacle Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, 50 Washington St. Salem, MA
$20 donation
A French Christmas
Schola Cantorum (Fred Jodry, director) with Karen Burciaga, Carol Lewis, James Perretta, viols, Chris Henriksen, theorbo
Seasonal music of Marc-Antoine Charpentier, the premier French 17th-c. composer of sacred music. The delightful cantata “In Nativitatem Domini” (1675) and his Litanies to the Virgin Mary are the centerpiece of the program, and a cappella Christmas motets by Josquin and Mouton help narrate the Christmas story.
3:30 pm - St. Martin’s Church, Providence, RI
$10-30
http://www.museumconcerts.org/chamber-concerts.html
Schola Cantorum (Fred Jodry, director) with Karen Burciaga, Carol Lewis, James Perretta, viols, Chris Henriksen, theorbo
Seasonal music of Marc-Antoine Charpentier, the premier French 17th-c. composer of sacred music. The delightful cantata “In Nativitatem Domini” (1675) and his Litanies to the Virgin Mary are the centerpiece of the program, and a cappella Christmas motets by Josquin and Mouton help narrate the Christmas story.
3:30 pm - St. Martin’s Church, Providence, RI
$10-30
http://www.museumconcerts.org/chamber-concerts.html
Christmas Far & Wide
Musicians of the Old Post Road: Carley DeFranco, soprano; Carrie Cheron, mezzo-soprano; Jonas Budris, tenor
Celebrate the season with festive 18th-century yuletide music from across the Western Hemisphere! This sojourn takes you to Ireland, England, France, Poland, Germany, the Czech region, New England, and Mexico, with stellar works by Bach and Handel along with delightful rediscoveries.
4pm - Old South Church, 645 Boylston Street, MA; and streaming
$10-$55
www.oldpostroad.org
Musicians of the Old Post Road: Carley DeFranco, soprano; Carrie Cheron, mezzo-soprano; Jonas Budris, tenor
Celebrate the season with festive 18th-century yuletide music from across the Western Hemisphere! This sojourn takes you to Ireland, England, France, Poland, Germany, the Czech region, New England, and Mexico, with stellar works by Bach and Handel along with delightful rediscoveries.
4pm - Old South Church, 645 Boylston Street, MA; and streaming
$10-$55
www.oldpostroad.org
Wednesday, December 18
Renaissance Christmas Community Sing
Convivium Musicum
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. Hope to see you there!
7pm - All Saints Parish, 1773 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA
FREE
https://convivium.org/
Convivium Musicum
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. Hope to see you there!
7pm - All Saints Parish, 1773 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA
FREE
https://convivium.org/
Friday, December 20
Christmas in 15th-Century France & Burgundy
Blue Heron (Scott Metcalfe, director)
One of Blue Heron’s most beloved programs, presented for the first time since 2018. Music for Christmas and New Year’s by Guillaume Du Fay, Nicolas Grenon, Johannes Ciconia, Johannes Regis, Jacob Obrecht, Antoine Brumel, Josquin Desprez, Adrian Willaert, and others. Featuring a nave lit by candles, according to Blue Heron tradition.
8:00 PM - First Church Congregational, 11 Garden Street, Cambridge, MA
Tickets $10-$90
https://www.blueheron.org/concerts/season26/xmas-france-burgundy/
Blue Heron (Scott Metcalfe, director)
One of Blue Heron’s most beloved programs, presented for the first time since 2018. Music for Christmas and New Year’s by Guillaume Du Fay, Nicolas Grenon, Johannes Ciconia, Johannes Regis, Jacob Obrecht, Antoine Brumel, Josquin Desprez, Adrian Willaert, and others. Featuring a nave lit by candles, according to Blue Heron tradition.
8:00 PM - First Church Congregational, 11 Garden Street, Cambridge, MA
Tickets $10-$90
https://www.blueheron.org/concerts/season26/xmas-france-burgundy/
Saturday, December 21
Christmas in 15th-Century France & Burgundy
Blue Heron (Scott Metcalfe, director)
One of Blue Heron’s most beloved programs, presented for the first time since 2018. Music for Christmas and New Year’s by Guillaume Du Fay, Nicolas Grenon, Johannes Ciconia, Johannes Regis, Jacob Obrecht, Antoine Brumel, Josquin Desprez, Adrian Willaert, and others. Featuring a nave lit by candles, according to Blue Heron tradition.
3:00 PM - First Church Congregational, 11 Garden Street, Cambridge, MA
Tickets $10-$90
https://www.blueheron.org/concerts/season26/xmas-france-burgundy/
Blue Heron (Scott Metcalfe, director)
One of Blue Heron’s most beloved programs, presented for the first time since 2018. Music for Christmas and New Year’s by Guillaume Du Fay, Nicolas Grenon, Johannes Ciconia, Johannes Regis, Jacob Obrecht, Antoine Brumel, Josquin Desprez, Adrian Willaert, and others. Featuring a nave lit by candles, according to Blue Heron tradition.
3:00 PM - First Church Congregational, 11 Garden Street, Cambridge, MA
Tickets $10-$90
https://www.blueheron.org/concerts/season26/xmas-france-burgundy/
Welcome Yule
Solstice Singers returns to the Woods Hole Community Hall to celebrate the 2024 Winter Solstice with festive performances of “Welcome Yule.” Joining in the revelry will be Duo Passacaglia and friends performing medieval and Renaissance instrumental music, the children’s chorus Les Enfants du Soleil, and Vineyard Swordfish dancers. This year’s Mummers play is sure to make you smile along with a treasure chest of surprises! Join us for a fun-filled afternoon as we welcome in the Solstice!
4pm - Woods Hole Community Hall, 68 Water St, Woods Hole, MA
Tickets $25, students $10, under 5 free.
https://www.solsticesingers.org/
Solstice Singers returns to the Woods Hole Community Hall to celebrate the 2024 Winter Solstice with festive performances of “Welcome Yule.” Joining in the revelry will be Duo Passacaglia and friends performing medieval and Renaissance instrumental music, the children’s chorus Les Enfants du Soleil, and Vineyard Swordfish dancers. This year’s Mummers play is sure to make you smile along with a treasure chest of surprises! Join us for a fun-filled afternoon as we welcome in the Solstice!
4pm - Woods Hole Community Hall, 68 Water St, Woods Hole, MA
Tickets $25, students $10, under 5 free.
https://www.solsticesingers.org/
The Long Night's Watch: A Winter Solstice Celebration
Seven Times Salt: Karen Burciaga, violin, harp, guitar, alto; Dan Meyers, recorders, flute, bagpipes, percussion, baritone;
Josh Schreiber, bass viol, bass; Matthew Wright, lute, bandora, tenor; with Carrie Cheron, mezzo-soprano
Seven Times Salt's beloved annual concert (now in its 22nd year) celebrates the winter solstice and the return of the unconquered sun with music from the British Isles, Europe, and the New World. To see us through the longest night, we’ll perform a warming blend of familiar carols, festive wassailing songs, wintry consort tunes, Renaissance dances, upbeat Irish reels, and a helping of STS originals. 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, harp, guitar, alto; Dan Meyers, recorders, flute, bagpipes, percussion, baritone;
Josh Schreiber, bass viol, bass; Matthew Wright, lute, bandora, tenor; with Carrie Cheron, mezzo-soprano
Seven Times Salt's beloved annual concert (now in its 22nd year) celebrates the winter solstice and the return of the unconquered sun with music from the British Isles, Europe, and the New World. To see us through the longest night, we’ll perform a warming blend of familiar carols, festive wassailing songs, wintry consort tunes, Renaissance dances, upbeat Irish reels, and a helping of STS originals. 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/
Christmas in 15th-Century France & Burgundy
Blue Heron (Scott Metcalfe, director)
One of Blue Heron’s most beloved programs, presented for the first time since 2018. Music for Christmas and New Year’s by Guillaume Du Fay, Nicolas Grenon, Johannes Ciconia, Johannes Regis, Jacob Obrecht, Antoine Brumel, Josquin Desprez, Adrian Willaert, and others. Featuring a nave lit by candles, according to Blue Heron tradition.
8:00 PM - First Church Congregational, 11 Garden Street, Cambridge, MA
Tickets $10-$90
https://www.blueheron.org/concerts/season26/xmas-france-burgundy/
Blue Heron (Scott Metcalfe, director)
One of Blue Heron’s most beloved programs, presented for the first time since 2018. Music for Christmas and New Year’s by Guillaume Du Fay, Nicolas Grenon, Johannes Ciconia, Johannes Regis, Jacob Obrecht, Antoine Brumel, Josquin Desprez, Adrian Willaert, and others. Featuring a nave lit by candles, according to Blue Heron tradition.
8:00 PM - First Church Congregational, 11 Garden Street, Cambridge, MA
Tickets $10-$90
https://www.blueheron.org/concerts/season26/xmas-france-burgundy/
Sunday, December 22
Christmas At First: Bach’s Cantata 61
Chancel Choir of The First Church of Nashua and First Music Chamber Strings (Joseph R. Olefirowicz, conductor) with Janet Poisson, soprano, Kyle Masterson, tenor. Joshua L. Gore, bass
Join us for 4th Advent Worship Services as we offer Johann Sebastian Bach’s Cantata 61: Nun Komm der Heiden Heiland. This masterwork of the choral repertory is interwoven into the fabric of the morning worship services, together with a chamber orchestra supporting not only Bach’s work, but also hymns and additional works to celebrate the season.
9am and 11am - First Church of Nashua, 1 Concord Street, Nashua, NH
Free
https://tfcucc.org/event/christmas-at-first-7/2024-12-22/
Chancel Choir of The First Church of Nashua and First Music Chamber Strings (Joseph R. Olefirowicz, conductor) with Janet Poisson, soprano, Kyle Masterson, tenor. Joshua L. Gore, bass
Join us for 4th Advent Worship Services as we offer Johann Sebastian Bach’s Cantata 61: Nun Komm der Heiden Heiland. This masterwork of the choral repertory is interwoven into the fabric of the morning worship services, together with a chamber orchestra supporting not only Bach’s work, but also hymns and additional works to celebrate the season.
9am and 11am - First Church of Nashua, 1 Concord Street, Nashua, NH
Free
https://tfcucc.org/event/christmas-at-first-7/2024-12-22/
The Long Night's Watch: Winter Solstice Celebration
Seven Times Salt: Karen Burciaga, violin, harp, guitar, alto; Dan Meyers, recorders, flute, bagpipes, percussion, baritone;
Josh Schreiber, bass viol, bass; Matthew Wright, lute, bandora, tenor; with Carrie Cheron, mezzo-soprano
Seven Times Salt's beloved annual concert (now in its 22nd year) celebrates the winter solstice and the return of the unconquered sun with music from the British Isles, Europe, and the New World. To see us through the longest night, we’ll perform a warming blend of familiar carols, festive wassailing songs, wintry consort tunes, Renaissance dances, upbeat Irish reels, and a helping of STS originals. Audience participation encouraged and jollity guaranteed!
4pm - St. John’s Episcopal Church, 705 Hale St. Beverly Farms, MA
By donation
https://www.seventimessalt.com/
Seven Times Salt: Karen Burciaga, violin, harp, guitar, alto; Dan Meyers, recorders, flute, bagpipes, percussion, baritone;
Josh Schreiber, bass viol, bass; Matthew Wright, lute, bandora, tenor; with Carrie Cheron, mezzo-soprano
Seven Times Salt's beloved annual concert (now in its 22nd year) celebrates the winter solstice and the return of the unconquered sun with music from the British Isles, Europe, and the New World. To see us through the longest night, we’ll perform a warming blend of familiar carols, festive wassailing songs, wintry consort tunes, Renaissance dances, upbeat Irish reels, and a helping of STS originals. Audience participation encouraged and jollity guaranteed!
4pm - St. John’s Episcopal Church, 705 Hale St. Beverly Farms, MA
By donation
https://www.seventimessalt.com/
Saturday, December 28
Bach-Circle: Christmas Oratorios and Contemporary Female Voices, Bringing Heaven to Earth…
Crescendo Chorus with Paulina Francisco, soprano, Nicholas Tamagna, countertenor, Gene Stenger, tenor, Douglas Williams, bass-baritone, and Crescendo Period Instrument Orchestra, led by Christine Gevert
This program includes Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Ehre sei dir, Gott, gesungen“ (Let honor be sung to you, O God), the fifth cantata of his Christmas Oratorio. This cantata is about the journey of the wise men and the symbolism of light winning over darkness. An important composer in Bach’s circle was his mentor Dietrich Buxtehude, the renowned North German organist and cantor. His New Year’s, and Johann Schelle’s Advent, cantatas, Johann Rosenmüller’s Magnificat, and Philipp Erlebach’s Christmas cantata are followed by a work of the later Jeremias du Grain, a student of Bach’s close friend Georg Philipp Telemann. Several of these cantatas are scored for orchestra with trumpets, which symbolized royalty and Christ’s status as the “King of Kings.” In contrast to this stand intimate, unaccompanied choral works by the award-winning contemporary North American female composers Emily Drum, MaryAnne Muglia, and Christine Donkin.
4pm - Trinity Church, 484 Lime Rock Rd. Lakeville, CT
$40.00
https://crescendomusic.org/
Crescendo Chorus with Paulina Francisco, soprano, Nicholas Tamagna, countertenor, Gene Stenger, tenor, Douglas Williams, bass-baritone, and Crescendo Period Instrument Orchestra, led by Christine Gevert
This program includes Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Ehre sei dir, Gott, gesungen“ (Let honor be sung to you, O God), the fifth cantata of his Christmas Oratorio. This cantata is about the journey of the wise men and the symbolism of light winning over darkness. An important composer in Bach’s circle was his mentor Dietrich Buxtehude, the renowned North German organist and cantor. His New Year’s, and Johann Schelle’s Advent, cantatas, Johann Rosenmüller’s Magnificat, and Philipp Erlebach’s Christmas cantata are followed by a work of the later Jeremias du Grain, a student of Bach’s close friend Georg Philipp Telemann. Several of these cantatas are scored for orchestra with trumpets, which symbolized royalty and Christ’s status as the “King of Kings.” In contrast to this stand intimate, unaccompanied choral works by the award-winning contemporary North American female composers Emily Drum, MaryAnne Muglia, and Christine Donkin.
4pm - Trinity Church, 484 Lime Rock Rd. Lakeville, CT
$40.00
https://crescendomusic.org/
Sunday, December 29
Bach-Circle: Christmas Oratorios and Contemporary Female Voices, Bringing Heaven to Earth…
Crescendo Chorus with Paulina Francisco, soprano, Nicholas Tamagna, countertenor, Gene Stenger, tenor, Douglas Williams, bass-baritone, and Crescendo Period Instrument Orchestra, led by Christine Gevert
This program includes Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Ehre sei dir, Gott, gesungen“ (Let honor be sung to you, O God), the fifth cantata of his Christmas Oratorio. This cantata is about the journey of the wise men and the symbolism of light winning over darkness. An important composer in Bach’s circle was his mentor Dietrich Buxtehude, the renowned North German organist and cantor. His New Year’s, and Johann Schelle’s Advent, cantatas, Johann Rosenmüller’s Magnificat, and Philipp Erlebach’s Christmas cantata are followed by a work of the later Jeremias du Grain, a student of Bach’s close friend Georg Philipp Telemann. Several of these cantatas are scored for orchestra with trumpets, which symbolized royalty and Christ’s status as the “King of Kings.” In contrast to this stand intimate, unaccompanied choral works by the award-winning contemporary North American female composers Emily Drum, MaryAnne Muglia, and Christine Donkin.
4pm - Saint James Place, 352 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA
$40.00
https://crescendomusic.org/
Crescendo Chorus with Paulina Francisco, soprano, Nicholas Tamagna, countertenor, Gene Stenger, tenor, Douglas Williams, bass-baritone, and Crescendo Period Instrument Orchestra, led by Christine Gevert
This program includes Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Ehre sei dir, Gott, gesungen“ (Let honor be sung to you, O God), the fifth cantata of his Christmas Oratorio. This cantata is about the journey of the wise men and the symbolism of light winning over darkness. An important composer in Bach’s circle was his mentor Dietrich Buxtehude, the renowned North German organist and cantor. His New Year’s, and Johann Schelle’s Advent, cantatas, Johann Rosenmüller’s Magnificat, and Philipp Erlebach’s Christmas cantata are followed by a work of the later Jeremias du Grain, a student of Bach’s close friend Georg Philipp Telemann. Several of these cantatas are scored for orchestra with trumpets, which symbolized royalty and Christ’s status as the “King of Kings.” In contrast to this stand intimate, unaccompanied choral works by the award-winning contemporary North American female composers Emily Drum, MaryAnne Muglia, and Christine Donkin.
4pm - Saint James Place, 352 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA
$40.00
https://crescendomusic.org/
Tuesday, December 31
New Year's Celebration
Boston Baroque with Angela Yam, soprano; David Kravitz, baritone; Aldo Abreu, recorder; Christina Day Martinson, Sarah Darling, violin; Joseph Monticelo, flute
Ring in the New Year with us at our annual celebration of music and new beginnings! Music Director Martin Pearlman leads Boston Baroque in a sparkling program featuring Bach’s Concerto for Two Violins with Christina Day Martinson and Sarah Darling, his Coffee Cantata, Vivaldi’s Recorder Concerto in C major with Aldo Abreu, and much more.
8pm - GBH Calderwood Studio (Brighton)
https://baroque.boston/2425-new-years-celebration
Boston Baroque with Angela Yam, soprano; David Kravitz, baritone; Aldo Abreu, recorder; Christina Day Martinson, Sarah Darling, violin; Joseph Monticelo, flute
Ring in the New Year with us at our annual celebration of music and new beginnings! Music Director Martin Pearlman leads Boston Baroque in a sparkling program featuring Bach’s Concerto for Two Violins with Christina Day Martinson and Sarah Darling, his Coffee Cantata, Vivaldi’s Recorder Concerto in C major with Aldo Abreu, and much more.
8pm - GBH Calderwood Studio (Brighton)
https://baroque.boston/2425-new-years-celebration
December 31 - January 4
Baroque Cello and Continuo Bootcamp
Phoebe Carrai, cello; Peter Sykes, keyboards
Start the new year with your best resolution: more Baroque Cello and Continuo! Registration is now open for cellists, bassists, keyboard players and auditors. Apply now! Only 9 Full Participant Slots for Cello/Bass and 5 Full Participant Slots for Keyboard.
Harvard’s Memorial Church and First Church in Cambridge or Online
Participant (In-person or Online) $450. Auditor (In-person or Online) $225
Register
Phoebe Carrai, cello; Peter Sykes, keyboards
Start the new year with your best resolution: more Baroque Cello and Continuo! Registration is now open for cellists, bassists, keyboard players and auditors. Apply now! Only 9 Full Participant Slots for Cello/Bass and 5 Full Participant Slots for Keyboard.
Harvard’s Memorial Church and First Church in Cambridge or Online
Participant (In-person or Online) $450. Auditor (In-person or Online) $225
Register