More holiday events in December

Last week I offered a variety of concerts and other holiday-themed events based primarily in the Niagara area; this week I will look a little further afield and see what else is going on you might want to catch this season, along with a couple more local events I missed on last week's entry.

Niagara Falls History Museum
The wonderfully renovated Niagara Falls History Museum presents a Christmas concert Saturday evening of this weekend featuring the Baker Street Victorian Carollers directed by Richard Crossman.  Four part harmonies and timeless music should make for an enjoyable evening in the intimate setting of the small theatre space at the museum.  Tickets are only $ 10 each and only available in advance, so I would suggest calling first thing in the morning to make sure there is space available.  Call 905-358-5082 or go to www.niagarafallsmuseums.ca.

Shaw Festival
Last week I wrote about the 13th Annual Christmas Coral Concert coming up this Sunday evening at the Shaw Festival Theatre in Niagara-on-the-Lake.  I received late word this week members of the acting ensemble will present the annual dramatic reading of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol with musical accompaniment at St. Mark's Anglican Church at 41 Byron Street.  The performance takes place December 22nd at 3 pm, with proceeds to benefit Bethlehem Housing and Support Services.  For tickets, call the Shaw box office at 905-468-2172 or pick them up at the door.

Wellington Winds
Now moving further afield from Niagara, Music Director Daniel Warren and the acclaimed Wellington Winds present Joyeux Noel with the Grand Philharmonic Youth Choir, directed by Amanda Brunk, on Sunday, December 15th at 3 pm.  Along with Carol of the Bells and the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's Messiah, they will also be performing The Adoration of the Magi and something called Donkey Sleighridge, among other musical offerings.  Tickets should be available at the door at Knox Presbyterian Church in Waterloo, or in advance by calling 1-519-669-1327 or go to www.wellingtonwinds.ca.

Elora Festival Singers
There are two performances of the choir's popular Festival of Carols concert, both on December 18th.  The first is at 5 pm; the second at 7:30 pm, and both at the lovely home base of the Elora Festival Singers, St. John's Church in Elora.  I love the sound of this choir and the warm acoustic of the church as well as the organ when talented individuals like Michael Bloss take command of the keyboard.  For tickets, call the box office at 1-519-846-0331 or go to www.elorafestival.com.

Guelph Chamber Choir
The Guelph Chamber Choir under their longtime conductor Gerald Neufeld will present their annual performance of Handel's great oratorio Messiah at the River Run Centre in downtown Guelph on Saturday, December 21st at 8 pm.  I have caught their Messiah in the past and the hall just resonates with the choir and musicians every season.  It is a Messiah well worth driving up to Guelph for!  Tickets are available at the door or by going to www.guelphchamberchoir.ca.

Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra
Finally, the HPO presents their annual Christmas concert, entitled Home for the Holidays, on Saturday, December 21st at 7:30 pm at the Great Hall of Hamilton Place.  The Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Music Director James Sommerville will welcome special guests the Hamilton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and the acclaimed Hamilton Children's Choir.  For tickets, call the box office at 1-905-526-7756 or go to www.hpo.org.

So there you go, lots of great opportunities to get out and enjoy some wonderful music this holiday season!

December 13th, 2013.