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
* My picks: In the spirit of the season, it’s all good.
Especially noteworthy, though, is the premiere of Virginia composer Adolphus Hailstork’s "The Gift of the Magi" by JoAnn Falletta and the Virginia Symphony, with soloists, choruses and dancers, Dec. 13 at Christopher Newport University’s Ferguson Arts Center in Newport News and Dec. 15 at Regent University Theater in Virginia Beach. . . . And a "Messiah" with a big difference: The Edwardian-nouveau orchestration that Eugene Goosens prepared for Thomas Beecham in the 1950s, resurrected by the National Symphony, Dec. 17-20 at Washington’s Kennedy Center.
Dec. 1 (8 p.m.)
Vlahcevic Concert Hall, Singleton Arts Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Park Avenue at Harrison Street, Richmond
Choral Arts Society & Women’s Chorus
Rebecca Tyree directing
Commonwealth Singers
John Guthmiller directing
Vocal Chamber Ensemble
program TBA
$5
(804) 828-6776
http://www.vcu.edu/arts/music/dept/events/index.html
Dec. 2 (7:30 p.m.)
Camp Concert Hall, Modlin Arts Center, University of Richmond
University Orchestra
Alexander Kordzaia conducting
Kabalevsky: Violin Concerto in C major (first movement)
Natalia Sanders, violin
Barber: Violin Concerto (second movement)
Jessica Clough, violin
other works TBA
Free
(804) 289-8980
www.modlin.richmond.edu
Dec. 3 (8 p.m.)
Vlahcevic Concert Hall, Singleton Arts Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Park Avenue at Harrison Street, Richmond
VCU Symphony Orchestra
Daniel Myssyk conducting
Weber: "Oberon" Overture
Frank Martin: Ballade for flute and orchestra
Melanie Libbey, flute
Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 3 ("Scottish")
$5
(804) 828-6776
http://www.vcu.edu/arts/music/dept/events/index.html
Dec. 3 (7 p.m.)
Dec. 4 (1:30 p.m.)
Dec. 5 (8 p.m.)
Kennedy Center Concert Hall, Washington
National Symphony Orchestra
Andrew Litton conducting
Rimsky-Korsakov: "The Snow Maiden" Suite
Jennifer Higdon: Piano Concerto (premiere)
Yuja Wang, piano
Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 1 ("Winter Dreams")
$20-$85
(800) 444-1324
www.kennedy-center.org
Dec. 3 (7:30 p.m.)
Terrace Theater, Kennedy Center, Washington
Trio Solisti
Mendelssohn: Piano Trio No. 2 in C minor, Op. 66
Piazzolla: "The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires"
Paul Moravec: Passacaglia
Mussorgsky: "Pictures at an Exhibition" (Trio Solisti arr.)
$32
(800) 444-1324
www.kennedy-center.org
Dec. 3 (8 p.m.)
Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD
Angela Hewitt, piano
Bach: "Goldberg Variations"
$27-$77
(202) 785-9727 (Washington Performing Arts Society)
www.wpas.org
Dec. 4 (8 p.m.)
Carpenter Theatre, Richmond CenterStage, Sixth and Grace streets
Richmond Symphony
Erin Freeman conducting
Handel: "Messiah" (abridged)
Hyunah Yu, soprano
Jennifer Rivera, mezzo-soprano
William Ferguson, tenor
Jason Hardy, baritone
Richmond Symphony Chorus
$27-$42
(800) 982-2787 (Ticketmaster)
www.richmondsymphony.com
Dec. 4 (8 p.m.)
Vlahcevic Concert Hall, Singleton Arts Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Park Avenue at Harrison Street, Richmond
Performers TBA
VCU Music Department Holiday Gala
Program TBA
$5; proceeds benefit Hospital Hospitality House
(804) 828-6776
http://www.vcu.edu/arts/music/dept/events/index.html
Dec. 4 (8 p.m.)
Old Cabell Hall, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
Dec. 12 (8 p.m.)
Paramount Theater, 215 E. Main St., Charlottesville
Virginia Glee Club
Virginia Gentlemen
holiday program TBA
$15
(434) 924-3984
http://artsandsciences.virginia.edu/music/concertsevents/index.html
Dec. 4 (8 p.m.)
Dec. 6 (2 p.m.)
University Chapel, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
Virginia Women’s Chorus
Christmas Candlelight Service
Britten: "A Ceremony of Carols"
other works TBA
$10
(434) 924-3984
http://artsandsciences.virginia.edu/music/concertsevents/index.html
Dec. 4 (8 p.m.)
Dec. 6 (2 p.m.)
Center for the Arts, George Mason University, Fairfax
Virginia Opera
Joseph Walsh conducting
Donizetti: "The Daughter of the Regiment"
Manon Strauss Evrard (Marie)
Gennard Lombardozzi (Tonio)
Todd Robinson (Sgt. Sulpice)
Josepha Gayer (Marquise de Birkenfeld)
David Barron (Hortensius)
Dorothy Danner, stage director
in French, English captions
$44-$98
(888) 945-2468 (Tickets.com)
www.vaopera.org
Dec. 4 (8 p.m.)
Coolidge Auditorium, Library of Congress, First Street at Independence Avenue S.E., Washington
St. Lawrence String Quartet
Haydn: Quartet in C major, Op. 54, No. 2
John Adams: String Quartet
Ezequiel Viñao: String Quartet (premiere)
Free; tickets required
(703) 573-7328 (Ticketmaster)
http://www.loc.gov/rr/perform/concert/0910-schedule.html
Dec. 5 (8 p.m.)
Dec. 6 (3 p.m.)
Carpenter Theatre, Richmond CenterStage, Sixth and Grace streets
Richmond Symphony Pops
Erin Freeman conducting
Richmond Symphony Chorus
Richmond Boys Choir
"Let It Snow!"
$17-$75
(800) 982-2787 (Ticketmaster)
www.richmondsymphony.com
Dec. 5 (1:30 and 3 p.m.)
Dec. 6 (1:30 and 3 p.m.)
Kimball Theatre, Merchants Square, Williamsburg
Williamsburg Symphonia
Janna Hymes conducting
"Santa Comes to Town"
$20-$25
(757) 229-9857
www.williamsburgsymphonia.org
Dec. 5 (8 p.m.)
Dec. 6 (3:30 p.m.)
Old Cabell Hall, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
Charlottesville & University Symphony Orchestra
Michael Slon conducting
University Singers
David Colwell, violin
Stephanie Nakasian, vocals
"Family Holiday Concert"
works by Vivaldi, Handel, others
$10-$35
(434) 924-3984
http://artsandsciences.virginia.edu/music/concertsevents/index.html
Dec. 5 (2 p.m.)
Terrace Theater, Kennedy Center, Washington
Plamena Mangova, piano
Scriabin: Sonata No. 9 ("Messe noire")
Scriabin: six études
Chopin: Nocturne No. 1 in B major, Op. 62
Chopin: Ballade No. 1 in G minor, Op. 23
Ravel: "Pavane pour une infante défunte"
Ravel: "Alborada del gracioso"
Ravel: "La Valse"
$40
(202) 785-9727 (Washington Performing Arts Society)
www.kennedy-center.org
Dec. 6 (4 p.m.)
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 520 N. Boulevard, Richmond
Richmond Choral Society
Thomas Williams directing
Chris Martin, organ
Anastasia Jellison, harp
"Christmas with the Richmond Choral Society"
$12 in advance, $15 at door
(804) 967-9878
www.richmondchoralsociety.org
Dec. 6 (5 and 8 p.m.)
Cannon Memorial Chapel, University of Richmond
Christmas Candlelight Service: Service of Lessons and Carols
Free
(804) 289-8980
www.modlin.richmond.edu
Dec. 6 (8 p.m.)
Shaftman Performance Hall, Jefferson Center, 541 Luck Ave., Roanoke
Roanoke Symphony
David Stewart Wiley conducting
Handel: "Messiah" (abridged)
Adelaide Muir-Trombetta, soprano
Tara Bouknight, alto
John Hugo, tenor
Wayne Kompelien, bass
Roanoke Symphony Chorus
John Hugo directing
$21-$49
(540) 343-9127
www.rso.com
Dec. 7 (7 p.m.)
Atrium, James Center, 1051 E. Cary St., Richmond
Richmond Philharmonic
Robert Mirakian conducting
"Home for the Holidays"
Donations accepted
(804) 673-7400
www.richmondphilharmonic.org
Dec. 8 (7:30 p.m.)
First Unitarian Universalist Church, 1000 Blanton Ave. at the Carillon, Richmond
Richmond Festival of Music:
Christina Day Martinson, baroque violin
Mary Boodell, traverse flute
Ulysses Kirksey, viola da gamba & baroque cello
James Wilson, baroque cello
Carsten Schmidt, harpsichord
"Baroque by Candlelight: a Tale of Four Cities"
Handel: Trio Sonata in B minor
Purcell: Fantazia No. 2 in three parts
Geminiani: Cello Sonata in D minor
Domenico Gabrielli: Ricercar No. 5 for solo cello
Vivaldi: Sonata in A major from "Il Pastor Fido"
Bach: Chaconne from Partita in D minor for solo violin
Telemann: Quartet in D major ("Paris")
$25
(804) 519-2098 (Chamber Music Society of Central Virginia)
www.cmscva.org
Dec. 8 (7 p.m.)
Old Cabell Hall, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
Donald Loach conducting
"Messiah" Sing-In
$8
(434) 924-3984
http://artsandsciences.virginia.edu/music/concertsevents/index.html
Dec. 8 (7:30 p.m.)
Terrace Theater, Kennedy Center, Washington
Ray Chen, violin
Noreen Polera, piano
Tartini: Violin Sonata in G minor ("The Devil’s Trill")
Franck: Sonata in A major
Bach: Sonata in A minor, BWV 1003, for unaccompanied violin
Sarasate: Introduction and Tarantella
$30
(800) 444-1324
www.kennedy-center.org
Dec. 9 (7:30 p.m.)
Terrace Theater, Kennedy Center, Washington
Remus Azoitei, violin
Eduard Stan, piano
Enescu: Sonata in A minor (torso)
Brahms: Sonata No. 3 in D minor, Op. 108
Brahms: Sonata No. 2 in A major, Op. 100
Enescu: Sonata in A minor, Op. 25
$15-$30
(800) 444-1324
www.kennedy-center.org
Dec. 10 (7:30 p.m.)
Wilton House Museum, 215 S. Wilton Road, Richmond
Richmond Festival of Music:
Christina Day Martinson, baroque violin
Mary Boodell, traverse flute
Ulysses Kirksey, viola da gamba & baroque cello
James Wilson, baroque cello
Carsten Schmidt, harpsichord
"Baroque Français"
Marin Marais: "Sonnerie de Ste. Genevieve du Mont de Paris"
Couperin: "Concert Royal" No. 1
Michel Pinolet de Montéclair: Concert in A major for two treble instruments
Jean Baptiste Barrière: Cello Sonata in B minor
Telemann: Quartet in D major ("Paris")
harpsichord pieces TBA
$50
(804) 519-2098 (Chamber Music Society of Central Virginia)
www.cmscva.org
Dec. 10 (7 p.m.)
Dec. 11 (8 p.m.)
Dec. 12 (8 p.m.)
Dec. 13 (7 p.m.)
Kennedy Center Concert Hall, Washington
National Symphony Pops
Marvin Hamlisch conducting
Michele Ragusa, soprano
Jonathan Ansell, tenor
Afro Blue vocal ensemble
Emma Resmini, flute
Michael Levick, actor
"Happy Holidays!"
$20-$85
(800) 444-1324
www.kennedy-center.org
Dec. 10 (8 p.m.)
Coolidge Auditorium, Library of Congress, First Street at Independence Avenue S.E., Washington
Diaz Trio
Rodrigo Ojeda, piano
Dohnányi: Serenade in C major, Op. 10, for string trio
George Rochberg: Sonata for violin and piano
Beethoven: String Trio No. 1 in G major, Op. 9
Free; tickets required
(703) 573-7328 (Ticketmaster)
http://www.loc.gov/rr/perform/concert/0910-schedule.html
Dec. 11 (8 p.m.)
Paramount Theater, 215 E. Main St., Charlottesville
The Canadian Brass
holiday program TBA
$39.50-$49.50
(434) 979-1333
www.theparamount.net
Dec. 11 (7:30 p.m.)
Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 300 W. Frederick St., Staunton
Richmond Festival of Music:
Christina Day Martinson, baroque violin
Mary Boodell, traverse flute
Ulysses Kirksey, viola da gamba & baroque cello
James Wilson, baroque cello
Carsten Schmidt, harpsichord
"Baroque Français"
Marin Marais: "Sonnerie de Ste. Genevieve du Mont de Paris"
Couperin: "Concert Royal" No. 1
Michel Pinolet de Montéclair: Concert in A major for two treble instruments
Jean Baptiste Barrière: Cello Sonata in B minor
Telemann: Quartet in D major ("Paris")
harpsichord pieces TBA
$25
(804) 519-2098 (Chamber Music Society of Central Virginia)
www.cmscva.org
Dec. 11 (8 p.m.)
Salem Civic Center, Boulevard Roanoke
Roanoke Symphony
David Stewart Wiley conducting
Roanoke Symphony Chorus
John Hugo directing
Roanoke College Children’s Choir
Kimberly Davidson directing
Salem Choral Society
Aaron Garber directing
Mill Mountain Ringers
George Dyer, tenor
"Holiday Pops Spectacular!"
$28-$55
(540) 343-9127
www.rso.com
Dec. 12 (7 p.m.)
Chesterfield Towne Center, Huguenot Road at Midlothian Turnpike, Richmond
Dec. 13 (3 p.m.)
Virginia Center Commons, Washington Highway (U.S. 1 north), Glen Allen
Central Virginia Wind Symphony
Mike Goldberg directing
Curnow: "Fanfare for Christmas"
Swearingen: "Aventura"
Sousa: "Northern Pines March"
arr. Philippe: "Mamma Mia!" highlights
Herbert-Rogers: "March of the Toys"
arr. Moss: "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year"
arr. Holcombe: "Festive Sounds of Hanukah"
arr. Long: " 'Twas the Night Before Christmas"
Anderson: "Sleigh Ride"
arr. Ployhar: "Christmas 'Pop' Sing-A-Long"
Anderson: "A Christmas Festival"
Free
Dec. 12 (8 p.m.)
Dec. 13 (3 p.m.)
Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD
National Philharmonic
Stan Engebretson conducting
Handel: "Messiah"
Danielle Talamantes, soprano
Victoria Livengood, mezzo-soprano
Robert Baker, tenor
Leon Williams, baritone
National Philharmonic Chorale
$29-$79
(301) 581-5100
www.strathmore.org
Dec. 13 (4 p.m.)
Bon Air Presbyterian Church, 9201 W. Huguenot Road, Richmond
"Messiah" sing-along
Anne Carr Regan conducting
Karen Floyd Savage, soprano
Heather Jones, mezzo-soprano
Tracey Welborn, tenor
Kurt Negaard, bass
Pamela McClain, harpsichord
Stephen Henley, organ
Donation requested
Rehearsal at 1 p.m. Dec. 12
(804) 272-7514
Dec. 13 (7 p.m.)
Ferguson Arts Center, Christopher Newport University, Newport News
Dec. 15 (8 p.m.)
Regent University Theater, Virginia Beach
Virginia Symphony
JoAnn Falletta conducting
Adolphus Hailstork: "The Gift of the Magi" (premiere)
Handel: "Messiah" (abridged)
Amy Van Roekel, soprano
Kirstin Chavez, mezzo soprano
Jonathan Boyd, tenor
Lester Lynch, bass-baritone
Todd Rosenleib Dance
Virginia Symphony Chorus
Virginia Children’s Chorus
$25-$85
(757) 892-6366
www.virginiasymphony.org
Dec. 14 (7 p.m.)
Kennedy Center Concert Hall, Washington
Choral Arts Society of Washington
Norman Scribner directing
Janice Chandler Eteme, soprano
Carol Ringers of St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church
Nancy Cappel directing
Washington Symphonic Brass
Phil Snedcor directing
"Joyeux Noël"
$15-$65
(800) 444-1324
www.kennedy-center.org
Dec. 17 (7 p.m.)
Dec. 18 (8 p.m.)
Dec. 19 (8 p.m.)
Dec. 20 (1 p.m.)
Kennedy Center Concert Hall, Washington
National Symphony Orchestra
Rossen Milanov conducting
Handel-Goosens: "Messiah"
Elza van den Heever, soprano
Meredith Arwady, contralto
Jason Collins, tenor
Eric Owens, bass-baritone
Washington Chorus
Julian Wachner directing
$20-$85
(800) 444-1324
www.kennedy-center.org
Dec. 18 (8 p.m.)
Coolidge Auditorium, Library of Congress, First Street at Independence Avenue S.E., Washington
Parker String Quartet
Haydn: Quartet in C major, Op. 20, No. 2
Dutilleux: "Ainsi la nuit"
Beethoven: Quartet in E flat major, Op. 127
Free; tickets required
(703) 573-7328 (Ticketmaster)
http://www.loc.gov/rr/perform/concert/0910-schedule.html
Dec. 19 (8 p.m.)
American Theatre, 125 E. Mellen St., Hampton
Brandon Wood, tenor
"I’ll Be Home for Christmas"
$25-$30
(757) 722-2787
http://hamptonarts.net/american_theatre/onsalenow.php
Dec. 19 (2 p.m.)
Sandler Arts Center, 201 S. Market St., Virginia Beach
Dec. 19 (8 p.m.)
Chrysler Hall, 201 Brambleton Ave., Norfolk
Virginia Symphony
conductor TBA
holiday pops program
$25-$88
(757) 892-6366
www.virginiasymphony.org
Dec. 19 (8 p.m.)
Paramount Theater, 215 E. Main St., Charlottesville
Oratorio Society of Virginia
L. Thomas Vining directing
"Christmas at The Paramount"
$14-$55
(434) 979-1333
www.theparamount.net
Dec. 19 (1 p.m.)
Dec. 21 (7 p.m.)
Dec. 22 (7 p.m.)
Kennedy Center Concert Hall, Washington
Washington Chorus
Julian Wachner directing
"A Candlelight Christmas"
$15-$60
(800) 444-1324
www.kennedy-center.org
Dec. 20 (5 p.m.)
All Saints Episcopal Church, River and Parham roads, Richmond
All Saints Choir of Men and Boys
Andrew Koebler directing
Festival of Lessons and Carols
Free
(804) 288-7811
www.allsaintsrichmond.org
Dec. 23 (7:30 p.m.)
Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD
Washington Chorus
Julian Wachner directing
"A Candlelight Christmas"
$15-$55
(301) 581-5100
www.strathmore.org
Dec. 31 (8:30 p.m.)
Kennedy Center Concert Hall, Washington
"New Year’s Eve at the Kennedy Center"
National Symphony Orchestra members
Murry Sidlin conducting
Gershwin: "Rhapsody in Blue"
Leon Bates, piano
works by Johann Strauss II, John Williams, Copland, Bernstein, Nicolai, others
dancing in Grand Foyer at 11 p.m.
$50-$95
(800) 444-1324
www.kennedy-center.org