I love the holidays. The decorations, the songs, the parties, and, of course, the concerts!
(Though I do miss the incredibly tacky lawn decor and colored lights that I grew up with in Florida. Are there any great, over-the-top displays that I can check out to ease my homesickness?)
This week’s Culture Fix is full of spirit and cheer – put on your favorite winter hat (or ugly sweater) and
join in the fun!
***Attn parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles! New Phil has planned a magical Family Concert complete with a full orchestra, ballerinas, children’s chorus, and Instrument Petting Zoo. It’s this Sunday and it’s near the bottom of this post. This is a don’t miss for sure!***
TONIGHT
Community Messiah Sing
Parish of St. Paul, Newton Highlands
Friday, Dec 14 at 7:30pm | FREE
Join us for our third annual Community Messiah Sing at the Parish of St. Paul this Friday at 7:30pm. We will be singing the Hallelujah Chorus and the Christmas section of Handel’s Messiah. Bring your own score or borrow one of ours! All voices are welcome! If you are planning to take part in the first annual Newton Highlands Stroll and Sing, this is a great way to top it off! Everyone is welcome!
(Editor’s Note: I love Messiah sing-a-longs. If I wasn’t going to be in rehearsal for my own fabulous concert I would totally be there.)
Saturday
Christmas Reflections
Boston College
Sat, Dec 15 at 3pm | $15
A celebration of the Christmas season in story, music and dance with choreography by Robert VerEecke S.J., Jesuit artist-in-residence and Helen O’Dwyer, alumna and director of the O’Dwyer school of Irish Dancing.
Music at the Jackson Homestead Museum
Historic Newton*
Sat, Dec 15 at 3:30pm | FREE
Go hear this! Eliot Fisk is a wonderful performer and the opportunity to hear him for free is rare. His students are excellent as well. From Historic Newton:
Join us for an intimate concert of classical guitar music from the 16th–21st centuries played by students from the New England Conservatory studying under renowned guitarist Eliot Fisk. Brighten up one of the shortest days of the year with an afternoon of music and light refreshments in a cozy setting. For questions, please call Historic Newton at 617.796.1450 or visit http://www.historicnewton.org
Rejoice!
Saengerfest Men’s Chorus
Sat, Dec 15 at 7pm | First Baptist Church* | $25
Come celebrate Christmas with Boston Saengerfest Men’s Chorus with timeless music from the old world and a bit from the new. Join us for an afternoon of holiday favorites, accompanied by brass quintet and percussion. Due to the great demand for this concert, we are excited to offer an additional concert this year in the lush acoustics of the First Baptist Church in Newton!
SUNDAY
Celebrations! Family Discovery Concert & Instrument Petting Zoo
New Philharmonia Orchestra*
Sun, Dec 16 at 3pm | First Baptist Church* | $10-$15
Celebrate this season of friendship, joy and peace on earth with music, song and dance! New Phil has invited Newton’s Boston Ballet School* and All-City Honors Chorus Treble Singers to join us, bringing the audience the most magical performance of the year!
New Phil and friends will perform seasonal favorites like “Sleigh Ride” and “Babes in Toyland” while accompanying the graceful dancers and spirited children’s chorus. Audience members of all ages will be delighted by the neighing trumpets, ready to dance between the snowflakes and hearts will be full of song!
New Phil’s famous Instrument Petting Zoo follows the performance – children of all ages are invited to meet and try the orchestra instruments! For tickets and more info, click here.
Gloria: A Renaissance Christmas Pageant
Cappella Clausura*
Sun, Dec 16 at 8pm | Episcopal Parish of the Messiah | $15-$25
This ever-popular alternative Christmas Pageant features gorgeous Renaissance music written by women – cloistered nuns! A family-friendly treat, the concert is a magical presentation with dancers, giant puppets and a sing-along. The Boston Globe describes Clausura’s performances: “…eavesdrop on paradise… personal and inviting, extravagant and intimate.”
