December 2008 calendar

Classical performances in and around Richmond, with selected events elsewhere in Virginia and the Washington area. Program information, provided by presenters, is updated as details become available. Adult single-ticket prices are listed; senior, student, group and other discounts may be offered.

SCOUTING REPORT: In the spirit of the season . . . it’s all good.


Dec. 1 (7 p.m.)
Kennedy Center Concert Hall, Washington
Canadian Brass
Holiday program TBA
$35-$60
(800) 444-1324
http://www.kennedy-center.org/

Dec. 2 (7:30 p.m.)
Ferguson Arts Center, Christopher Newport University, Newport News
Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra
Keith Lockhart conducting
“Holiday Pops”
$77-$97
(804) 262-8100 (Ticketmaster)
http://fergusoncenter.cnu.edu/artists/index.html

Dec. 2 (7:30 p.m.)
Terrace Theater, Kennedy Center, Washington
Vocal Arts Society:
Susan Platts, mezzo-soprano
Brett Polegato, baritone
Program TBA
$45
(800) 444-1324
http://www.kennedy-center.org/

Dec. 3 (7:30 p.m.)
Camp Concert Hall, Modlin Arts Center, University of Richmond
University Orchestra
Alexander Kordzaia conducting
Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 23 in A major, K. 488
Doris Wylee-Becker, piano
Schubert: Symphony No. 8 (“Unfinished”)
Free
(804) 289-8980
http://www.modlin.richmond.edu/

Dec. 4 (8 p.m.)
Vlahcevic Concert Hall, Singleton Arts Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Park Avenue at Harrison Street, Richmond
VCU Symphony Orchestra
Daniel Myssyk conducting
Commonwealth Singers
John Guthmiller directing
Women’s Chorus & Choral Arts Society
Rebecca Tyree directing
Lisa Edwards-Burrs, soprano
Poulenc: Gloria
Works by Debussy, Franz Doppler
$5
(804) 828-6776
http://www.vcu.edu/arts/music/dept/events/index.html

Dec 4 (8 p.m.)
Chrysler Hall, 201 E. Bremelton Ave., Norfolk
Dec. 7 (2:30 p.m.)
Ferguson Arts Center, Christopher Newport University, Newport News
Dec. 10 (8 p.m.)
St. Bede Catholic Church, Ironbound Road, Williamsburg
Dec. 20 (8 p.m.)
Regent University Theatre, Virginia Beach
Virginia Symphony
JoAnn Falletta & Robert Shoup conducting
Handel: “Messiah”
Soloists TBA
Virginia Symphony Chorus, Robert Shoup directing
$23-$83
(757) 892-6366
http://www.virginiasymphony.org/

Dec. 4 (7 p.m.)
Dec. 5 (1:30 p.m.)
Dec. 6 (8 p.m.)
Kennedy Center Concert Hall, Washington
National Symphony Orchestra
Itzhak Perlman conducting
Bach: Violin Concerto No. 1 in A minor, BWV 1041
Itzhak Perlman, violin
Mozart: Symphony No. 35 (“Haffner”)
Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 6 (“Pathétique”)
$20-$80
(800) 444-1324
http://www.kennedy-center.org/

Dec. 5 (11:45 a.m.)
Cannon Memorial Chapel, University of Richmond
Bruce Stevens, organ
Grant Hellmers, choirmaster
Recital and participatory carol sing
Free
(804) 289-8980
http://www.modlin.richmond.edu/

Dec. 5 (8 p.m.)
Second Baptist Church, River and Gaskins roads, Richmond
Dec. 8 (8 p.m.)
St. Michael Catholic Church, 4491 Springfield Road, Glen Allen
Richmond Symphony
Mark Russell Smith conducting
Handel: “Messiah”
Awet Andemicael, soprano
David Walker, countetenor
William Ferguson, tenor
Philip Cutlip, baritone
Richmond Symphony Chorus, Erin Freeman directing
$25-$35
(804) 788-1212
http://www.richmondsymphony.com/

Dec. 5 (8 p.m.)
Vlahcevic Concert Hall, Singleton Arts Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Park Avenue at Harrison Street, Richmond
VCU Symphonic Wind Ensemble
VCU String Ensemble
VCU Percussion Ensemble
VCU Jazz Orchestra II
Commonwealth Singers
VCU Guitar Ensemble & Community Guitar Ensemble
Holiday Gala, benefitting Hospital Hospitality House
$5
(804) 828-6776
http://www.vcu.edu/arts/music/dept/events/index.html

Dec. 5 (8 p.m.)
Old Cabell Hall, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
Virginia Glee Club
Frank Albinder directing
68th Annual Christmas Concert
$15
(434) 924-3984 http://artsandsciences.virginia.edu/music/performance/events/index.html

Dec. 5 (8 p.m.)
Dec. 6 (8 p.m.)
University Chapel, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
Virginia Women’s Chorus
KaeRenae Mitchell directing
Candlelight Concerts, works TBA
$5-$10
(434) 924-3984
http://artsandsciences.virginia.edu/music/performance/events/index.html

Dec. 5 (8 p.m.)
Dec. 6 (2 p.m.)
Center for the Arts, George Mason University, Fairfax
Virginia Opera
Joseph Walsh conducting
Donizetti: “The Elixir of Love”
Jane Redding (Adina)
Joshua Kohl (Nemorino)
Stephen Hartley (Belcore)
Todd Robinson (Dr. Dulcamara)
Allison Pohl (Gianetta)
Dorothy Danner, stage direction
in Italian, English captions
$44-$98
(703) 218-6500 (Tickets.com)
http://www.vaopera.org/

Dec. 6 (8 p.m.)
Landmark Theater, Main and Laurel streets, Richmond
Richmond Symphony Pops
Erin Freeman conducting
Richmond Symphony Chorus, Erin Freeman directing
Greater Richmond Children’s Choir, Hope Armstrong Erb directing
“Let It Snow,” holiday program featuring Christmas carols, works by Handel, Bach, Bizet, Victor Herbert, Irving Berlin, Leroy Anderson, others
$35-$60
(804) 788-1212
http://www.richmondsymphony.com/

Dec. 6 (8 p.m.)
Dec. 7 (3:30 p.m.)
Old Cabell Hall, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
Charlottesville & University Symphony Orchestra
University Singers
Michael Slon conducting
Family Holiday Concerts, works TBA
$10-$35
(434) 924-3984
http://artsandsciences.virginia.edu/music/performance/events/index.html

Dec. 7 (3 p.m.)
Chester United Methodist Church, 12132 Percival St.
Chester Community Chorus
Joshua Wortham directing
Ashley Huffman, harp
"Sounds of the Season" works include Britten's "Ceremony of Carols"
Donation requested
(804) 748-6006
http://www.chesterchorus.org/

Dec. 7 (4 p.m.)
St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 520 N. Boulevard, Richmond
Richmond Choral Society
Thomas A. Williams directing
Christmas program of Lessons and Carols
Eric Whitacre: "Lux Aurumque"
Kirke Mechem: "The Seven Joys of Christmas"
Christmas spirituals
Rev. Margaret Watson & Rev. Alonzo Pruitt, readers
$15
(804) 967-9878
http://www.richmondchoralsociety.org/

Dec. 7 (5 and 8 p.m.)
Cannon Memorial Chapel, University of Richmond
University of Richmond Schola Cantorum & Women’s Chorale
Jeffrey Riehl & David Pedersen directing
Christmas Candlelight Service of lessons and carols
Free
(804) 289-8980
http://www.modlin.richmond.edu/

Dec. 7 (3 p.m.)
Shaftman Performance Hall, Jefferson Center, 541 Luck Ave., Roanoke
Roanoke Symphony
David Stewart Wiley conducting
Roanoke Symphony Chorus
John Hugo directing
Handel: “Messiah” (Part 1, “Hallelujah” Chorus)
Corelli: “Christmas” Concerto
John Young Oh, violin
$19-$39
(866) 277-9127
http://www.rso.com/

Dec. 8 (7 p.m.)
James Center Atrium, 1051 E. Cary St., Richmond
Richmond Philharmonic
Robert Mirakian conducting
“Home for the Holidays,” works by Tchaikovsky, Bach, Vaughan Williams, Leroy Anderson, others
Free
(804) 673-7400
http://www.richmondphilharmonic.org/

Dec. 9 (7:30 p.m.)
American Theatre, 125 E. Mellen St., Hampton
Empire Brass
Christmas program TBA
$25-$30
(757) 722-2787
http://hamptonarts.net/american_theatre/onsalenow.php

Dec. 9 (8 p.m.)
Old Cabell Hall, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
Donald Loach directing
"Messiah" Sing-in
$5
(434) 924-3984
http://artsandsciences.virginia.edu/music/performance/events/index.html

Dec. 11 (7:30 p.m.)
Wilton House Museum, 215 S. Wilton Road, Richmond
Dec. 12 (7:30 p.m.)
Bon Air Presbyterian Church, 9201 W. Huguenot Road, Richmond
Dec. 13 (7:30 p.m.)
Wilton House Museum, 215 S. Wilton Road, Richmond
Chamber Music Society of Central Virginia:
James Wilson, cello
Catherine Cho & Erin Keefe, violins
Mary Boodell, flute
"Classics by Candlelight," works by Beethoven, Schubert, Borodin, Reinecke, others
$25-$50
(804) 519-2098
http://www.cmscva.org/

Dec. 11 (7 p.m.)
Dec. 12 (8 p.m.)
Dec. 13 (8 p.m.)
Dec. 14 (7 p.m.)
Kennedy Center Concert Hall, Washington
National Symphony Pops
Marvin Hamlisch conducting
“Happy Holidays!” program TBA
$20-$85
(800) 444-1324
http://www.kennedy-center.org/

Dec. 13 (2 p.m.)
Gellman Room, Richmond Public Library, First and Franklin streets
Richmond Boys Choir
Billy Dye directing
Holiday program TBA
Free
(804) 646-7223
www.richmondpubliclibrary.org

Dec. 13 (4 p.m.)
Westover Hills United Methodist Church, 1705 Westover Hills Boulevard, Richmond
Greater Richmond Children’s Choir
Hope Armstrong Erb directing
“Peace on Earth,” program of Christmas music and readings
Donation requested
(804) 232-1769
http://www.grcchoir.org/

Dec. 13 (7 p.m.)
Chesterfield Town Centre, Midlothian Turnpike at Huguenot Road, Midlothian
Dec. 14 (3 p.m.)
Virginia Center Commons, Washington Highway (Route 1 north), Glen Allen
Central Virginia Wind Symphony
Mike Goldberg conducting
Reed: “A Festival Prelude”
Reed: “Rushmore”
Handel-Sartorius: “Royal Fireworks Music”
Sousa: “Black Horse Troop”
Dorsey-Carey: “Oodles of Noodles”
Al Regni, saxophone
Anderson: “Sleigh Ride”
Christmas carols & sing-along
Free
(804) 342-8797
http://www.thewindsymphony.com/

Dec. 13 (8 p.m.)
Paramount Theater, 215 E. Main St., Charlottesville
Virginia Glee Club
Frank Albinder directing
68th annual Christmas Concert
$20
(434) 979-1333
http://www.theparamount.net/

Dec. 13 (7:30 p.m.)
Terrace Theater, Kennedy Center, Washington
Left Bank Concert Society
Elliott Carter: “Caténaires” (2006)
Elliott Carter: “Intermittences” (2005)
Elliott Carter: “Two Diversions” (1999)
Laura Schwendinger: “High Wire Act” (2005)
Dominick Argento: “Six Elizabethan Songs” (1963)
Schoenberg: “Verklärte Nacht”
$30
(800) 444-1324
http://www.kennedy-center.org/

Dec. 14 (4 p.m.)
Bon Air Presbyterian Church, 9201 W. Huguenot Road, Richmond
Chamber orchestra & audience-participation chorus
Anne Carr Regan conducting
“Messiah” Sing-along
Karen Floyd Savage, soprano
Heather Jones Holland, mezzo-soprano
Tracy Welborn, tenor
Kurt Negaard, bass
Pamela McClain, keyboard
Stephen Henley, organ
scores available
Donation requested
(804) 272-7514

Dec. 14 (4 p.m.)
Lewis Ginter Botannical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Ave., Richmond
Greater Richmond Children’s Choir
Hope Armstrong Erb directing
“Festival of Holidays,” family concert with sing-along
$10
(804) 201-1894
http://www.grccchoir.org/

Dec. 14 (3:30 p.m.)
Martin Luther King Performing Arts Center, Charlottesville High School, 1400 Melbourne Road
Charlottesville Municipal Band
Steve Layman directing
86th annual Holiday Concert, program TBA
Free
(434) 245-2410

Dec. 15 (7:30 p.m.)
Elizabeth B. Davis Middle School auditorium, 601 Corvus Court, Chester
Chester Wind Symphony
Jon Schoepflin directing
Holiday program TBA
Donation requested
(804) 477-7429

Dec. 15 (7 p.m.)
Dec. 20 (1 p.m.)
Dec. 24 (1 p.m.)
Kennedy Center Concert Hall, Washington
Choral Arts Society of Washington
Norman Scribner directing
Kelley Nassief, soprano
Christmas program TBA
$15-$65
(800) 444-1324
http://www.kennedy-center.org/

Dec. 15 (8 p.m.)
Sidney Harman Hall, Harman Arts Center, 610 F St. NW, Washington
Daniel Müller-Schott, cello
Angela Hewitt, piano
Bach: Gamba Sonata No. 2 in D major, BWV 1028
Bach: Gamba Sonata No. 3 in G minor, BWV 1029
Beethoven: Sonata No. 4 in C major, Op. 102, No. 1
Beethoven: “Seven Variations on ‘Bei Männern, welche Liebe fühlen’ ”
Beethoven: Sonata No. 5 in D major, Op. 102, No. 2
$38-$48
(202) 785-9727 (Washington Performing Arts Society)
http://www.wpas.org/

Dec. 18 (8 p.m.)
Chrysler Hall, 201 E. Bremelton Ave., Norfolk
Dec. 19 (8 p.m.)
Ferguson Arts Center, Christopher Newport University, Newport News
Virginia Symphony
JoAnn Falleta conducting
Todd Rosenlieb Dance
Rimsky-Korsakov: Polonaise from “Christmas Eve Suite”
Korngold: Prelude and Serenade from “The Snowman”
Corelli: “Christmas” Concerto
Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 1 (“Winter Dreams”)
$23-$83
(757) 892-6366
http://www.virginiasymphony.org/

Dec. 18 (7 p.m.)
Dec. 19 (8 p.m.)
Dec. 20 (8 p.m.)
Dec. 21 (1 p.m.)
Kennedy Center Concert Hall, Washington
National Symphony Orchestra
Martin Haselböck conducting
Handel: “Messiah”
Christine Brandes, soprano
Carlos Mena, countertenor
Steve Davislim, tenor
Joshua Hopkins, baritone
Master Chorale of Washington, Donald McCullough directing
$20-$80
(800) 444-1324
http://www.kennedy-center.org/

Dec. 20 (3 & 8 p.m.)
Paramount Theater, 215 E. Main St., Charlottesville
Oratorio Society of Virginia
L. Thomas Vining directing
“Christmas at the Paramount”
Mack Wilberg: “Gloria in Excelsis”
Berlioz: “The Shepherd’s Farewell”
Other works TBA
$15-$55
(434) 979-1333
http://www.theparamount.net/

Dec. 20 (8 p.m.)
Center for the Arts, George Mason University, Fairfax
Christopher Parkening, classical guitar
Jubilant Sykes, baritone
Holiday program TBA
$22-$44
(888) 945-2468 (Tickets.com)
www.gmu.edu/cfa/calendar/allmusic

Dec. 20 (4 p.m.)
Dec. 22 (5 p.m.)
Kennedy Center Concert Hall, Washington
The Washington Chorus
Julian Wachner directing
Coral Cantigas
Diana Sáez directing
Annandale Singers
Christmas program TBA
$15-$60
(800) 444-1324
http://www.kennedy-center.org/

Dec. 31 (8:30 p.m.)
Kennedy Center Concert Hall, Washington
National Symphony Orchestra members
Murry Sidlin conducting
“New Year’s Eve at the Kennedy Center”
Enescu: “Romanian Rhapsody” No. 1 (excerpt)
Rossini: “Semiramide” Overture
Rimsky-Korsakov: “Capriccio espagnol” (excerpts)
Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto (finale)
Elisabeth Adkins, violin
Johann Strauss II: “Tales from the Vienna Woods”
Dvořák: Slavonic Dance, Op. 46, No. 8
Suppé: “Die leichte Kavallerie” Overture
Rodgers & Hammerstein: “Some Enchanted Evening” from “South Pacific”
Rodgers & Hammerstein: “Soliloquy” from “Carousel”
Tom Meglioranza, vocalist
Copland: “A Lincoln Portrait” (excerpt)
$50-$90
(800) 444-1324
http://www.kennedy-center.org/