December 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/youth, group and other discounts may be offered.

* Tidings: In the sprit of the season, it’s all good.


Dec. 1 (7:30 p.m.)
Camp Concert Hall, Modlin Arts Center, University of Richmond
University Symphony Orchestra
Alexander Kordzaia conducting
program TBA
Free
(804) 289-8980
http://www.modlin.richmond.edu/

Dec. 1 (8 p.m.)
Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD
The King's Singers
"Joy to the World"
$25-$56
(301) 581-5100
http://www.strathmore.org/

Dec. 2 (7 p.m.)
Dec. 3 (8 p.m.)
Dec. 4 (8 p.m.)
Kennedy Center Concert Hall, Washington
National Symphony Orchestra
Emmanuel Krivine conducting
Beethoven: "Egmont" Overture
Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 2
Louis Lortie, piano
Liszt: "Les Préludes"
Richard Strauss: "Don Juan"
$20-$85
(800) 444-1324
http://www.kennedy-center.org/

Dec. 3 (8 p.m.)
Carpenter Theatre, Richmond CenterStage, Sixth and Grace streets
Richmond Symphony
Steven Smith conducting
Handel: "Messiah"
Rebecca Ringle, soprano
Katherine Jolly, mezzo-soprano
William Ferguson, tenor
Jason Hardy, baritone
Richmond Symphony Chorus
Erin R. Freeman directing
$20-$45
(800) 982-2787 (Ticketmaster)
http://www.richmondsymphony.com/

Dec. 3 (8 p.m.)
Vlahcevic Concert Hall, Singleton Arts Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Park Avenue at Harrison Street, Richmond
Commonwealth Singers
John Guthmiller directing
program TBA
$5
(804) 828-6776
http://www.vcumusic.org/

Dec. 3 (8 p.m.)
Old Cabell Hall, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
Virginia Glee Club
Christmas program TBA
$15
(434) 924-3376
http://artsandsciences.virginia.edu/music/concertsevents/index.html

Dec. 3 (8 p.m.)
Dec. 4 (5:30 p.m.)
Dec. 5 (2 p.m.)
University of Virginia Chapel, Charlottesville
Virginia Women’s Chorus
Christmas Candlelight Concert
$15
(434) 924-3376
http://artsandsciences.virginia.edu/music/concertsevents/index.html

Dec. 3 (8 p.m.)
Dec. 5 (2 p.m.)
Center for the Arts, George Mason University, Fairfax
Virginia Opera
Joseph Walsh conducting
Mozart: "Così fan tutte"
Jan Cornelius (Fiordiligi)
Katharine Tier (Dorabella)
David Portillo (Ferrando)
Timothy Kuhn (Guglielmo)
Todd Robinson (Don Alfonso)
Camille Zamora (Despina)
Lillian Groag, stage director
in Italian, English captions
$44-$98
(888) 945-2468 (Tickets.com)
http://www.vaopera.org/

Dec. 4 (2 p.m.)
Gellman Room, Richmond Public Library, First and Franklin streets
members of Richmond Alumnae Chapter, Sigma Alpha Iota
program TBA
Free
(804) 646-7223
http://www.richmondpubliclibrary.org/

Dec. 4 (8 p.m.)
Vlahcevic Concert Hall, Singleton Arts Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Park Avenue at Harrison Street, Richmond
Rennolds Chamber Concerts:
Jon Nakamatsu, piano
Clementi: Sonata in F sharp minor, Op. 25
Schumann: "Papillons"
Beethoven: Sonata in C sharp minor, Op. 27, No. 2 ("Moonlight")
Lizst: three "Sonetti del Petrarca"
Chopin: "Andante spianato and Grand Polonaise brilliante"
$32
(804) 828-6776
http://www.vcumusic.org/

Dec. 4 (8 p.m.)
Dec. 5 (3 p.m.)
Carpenter Theatre, Richmond CenterStage, Sixth and Grace streets
Richmond Symphony Pops
Richmond Symphony Chorus
Richmond Boys Choir
Erin R. Freeman conducting
"Let It Snow!" holiday program
$17-$75
(800) 982-2787 (Ticketmaster)
http://www.richmondsymphony.com/

Dec. 4 (1:30 and 3 p.m.)
Dec. 5 (1:30 and 3 p.m.)
Kimball Theatre, Merchants Square, Williamsburg
Williamsburg Symphonia
Janna Hymes conducting
Branch Fields, Gayla Johnson & Vance Stalings, guest stars
Holiday pops concert
$20-$25
(800) 447-8679
http://www.williamsburgsymphonia.org/

Dec. 4 (8 p.m.)
Dec. 5 (3:30 p.m.)
Old Cabell Hall, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
Charlottesville & University Symphony Orchestra
U.Va. University Singers
Michael Slon conducting
"Family Holiday Concert"
Handel: "Messiah" (excerpts)
Pamela Beasley, soprano
Bach: "Dona nobis pacem" from Mass in B minor
Leroy Anderson: "Sleigh Ride"
Christmas carols
$10-$35
(434) 924-3376
http://artsandsciences.virginia.edu/music/concertsevents/index.html

Dec. 4 (2 p.m.)
Terrace Theater, Kennedy Center, Washington
Dejan Lazic, piano
Chopin: "Andante spianato and Grand Polonaise brilliante"
Chopin: Polonaise, Op. 22
Chopin: Ballade No. 3 in A flat major, Op. 47
Chopin: Sonata No. 2 in B flat minor, Op. 35
Chopin: Scherzo No. 2 in B flat minor, Op. 31
Schubert: Sonata in B flat major, D. 960
$38
(202) 785-9727 (Washington Performing Arts Society)
http://www.wpas.org/

Dec. 5 (3 p.m.)
St. Christopher’s Upper School Chapel, 711 St. Christopher’s Lane, Richmond
William Ferguson, tenor
David Leisner, guitar
Thomas Ford: "Since first I saw your face"
Thomas Campion: "Never weather-beaten sail"
Dowland: "Come again: Sweet love doth now invite"
Schubert: "Frühlingsglaube"
Schubert: "Nachtstück"
Schubert: "Der Wanderer"
Schubert: "Ständchen"
Ginastera: Guitar Sonata, Op. 47
Copland: "The Dodger"
Stephen Foster: "Beautiful Dreamer"
Gershwin: "They Can’t Take That Away from Me"
Gershwin: "Somebody Loves Me"
Cole Porter: "Sing to Me, Guitar"
Free
(804) 282-3185

Dec. 5 (4 p.m.)
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 520 N. Boulevard, Richmond
Richmond Choral Society
Markus J. Compton directing
Virginia Girls Choir
Chris Martin, organ
Anastasia Jellison, harp
Keith Tan, piano
George Pavelis, oboe
Christmas program
$12 in advance, $15 at door
(804) 353-9582
http://www.richmondchoralsociety.org/

Dec. 5 (4 p.m.)
Vlahcevic Concert Hall, Singleton Arts Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Park Avenue at Harrison Street, Richmond
VCU Guitar Ensemble
VCU Community Guitar Ensemble
John Patykula directing
program TBA
Free
(804) 828-6776
http://www.vcumusic.org/

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

Dec. 6 (7 p.m.)
James Center Atrium, 1051 E. Cary St., Richmond
Richmond Philharmonic
Robert Mirakian conducting
"Home for the Holidays"
Free
(804) 673-7400
http://www.richmondphilharmonic.org/

Dec. 7 (8 p.m.)
Wilton House Museum, 215 S. Wilton Road, Richmond
Richmond Festival of Music:
Bach: "A Musical Offering"
Mary Boodell, traverse flute
Carsten Schmidt, harpsichord
Martin Davids, baroque violin
James Wilson, baroque cello
$50
(804) 519-2098
http://www.richmondfestivalofmusic.org/

Dec. 7 (8 p.m.)
Vlahcevic Concert Hall, Singleton Arts Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Park Avenue at Harrison Street, Richmond
VCU Symphony Orchestra
Daniel Myssyk conducting
program TBA
$5
(804) 828-6776
http://www.vcumusic.org/

Dec. 7 (8 p.m.)
Old Cabell Hall, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
Handel: "Messiah" (sing-along performance)
Donald Loach conducting
$8; proceeds benefit U.Va. choral ensembles
(434) 924-3376
http://artsandsciences.virginia.edu/music/concertsevents/index.html

Dec. 7 (7:30 p.m.)
Terrace Theater, Kennedy Center, Washington
Vocal Arts DC:
Stephen Costello, tenor
Elizabeth Futral, soprano
James Harp, piano
program TBA
$45
(800) 444-1324
http://www.kennedy-center.org/

Dec. 7 (8 p.m.)
Eisenhower Theater, Kennedy Center, Washington
Baltimore Symphony Orchestra
conductor TBA
Liang Chai, violin
Hongmei Yu, er hu
Liming Chi, tenor
Li Wang, soprano
program TBA
$30-$75
(800) 444-1324
http://www.kennedy-center.org/

Dec. 8 (5 p.m.)
Gellman Room, Richmond Public Library, First and Franklin streets
Richmond Festival of Music:
Master class, "Solo Bach: the Baroque Player’s Perspective"
Martin Davids, baroque violin
students from Virginia Commonwealth University Music Department
Free
(804) 519-2098
http://www.richmondfestivalofmusic.org/

Dec. 8 (7:30 p.m.)
Landmark Theater, Main and Laurel streets, Richmond
The Irish Tenors
Richmond Symphony
conductor TBA
Christmas carols, Irish ballads TBA
$44-$64
(800) 745-3000 (Ticketmaster)
http://www.richmondsymphony.com/

Dec. 8 (8 p.m.)
Vlahcevic Concert Hall, Singleton Arts Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Park Avenue at Harrison Street, Richmond
VCU Choral Arts Society
Rebecca Tyree directing
program TBA
$5
(804) 828-6776
http://www.vcumusic.org/

Dec. 8 (7:30 p.m.)
Terrace Theater, Kennedy Center, Washington
Young Concert Artists:
Gleb Ivanov, piano
Rachmaninoff: three etudes-tableaux, Op. 39
Rachmaninoff: Melodie in E major, Op. 3, No. 3
Rachmaninoff: Humoresque, Op. 10, No. 5
Rachmaninoff: Sonata in G minor, Op. 19, for cello and piano
Carter Brey, cello
Prokofiev: "Romeo and Juliet Before Parting"
Prokofiev: Piano Sonata No. 6, Op. 82
$35
(800) 444-1324
http://www.kennedy-center.org/

Dec. 9 (7:30 p.m.)
First Unitarian Universalist Church of Richmond, 1000 Blanton Ave. at the Carillon
Richmond Festival of Music:
Ian Howell, countertenor
Mary Boodell, traverse flute
Carsten Schmidt, harpsichord
Anne Timberlake, recorder
James Wilson, baroque cello
Handel: Trio Sonata in F major, Op. 2, No. 5
Handel: Violin Sonata in D major
Handel: Cantata, "Mi palpita il cor"
Handel: Cantata, "Quel fior che all'alba ride"
Handel: Recorder Sonata in D minor
Handel: German arias, "Süsse stille," "Flammende Rose"
$25
(804) 519-2098
http://www.richmondfestivalofmusic.org/

Dec. 9 (7 p.m.)
Dec. 10 (8 p.m.)
Dec. 11 (8 p.m.)
Dec. 12 (7 p.m.)
Kennedy Center Concert Hall, Washington
National Symphony Orchestra Pops
Marvin Hamlisch conducting
Christiane Noll & Mikaela Schneider, sopranos
Kristina Winiawski, cello
Niles Watson, flute
Karma Camp, choreographer
City Choir of Washington
"Happy Holidays!"
$20-$85
(800) 444-1324
http://www.kennedy-center.org/

Dec. 10 (7:30 p.m.)
Vlahcevic Concert Hall, Singleton Arts Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Park Avenue at Harrison Street, Richmond
VCU Music Department faculty and student performers
VCU Music Holday Gala
$10; proceeds benefit Hospital Hospitality House
(804) 828-6776
http://www.vcumusic.org/

Dec. 10 (8 p.m.)
St. Bede Catholic Church, 3686 Ironbound Road, Williamsburg
Dec. 11 (8 p.m.)
Regent University Theater, Virginia Beach
Dec. 12 (2:30 p.m.)
Ferguson Arts Center, Christopher Newport University, Newport News
Virginia Symphony
JoAnn Falleta conducting
Handel: "Messiah"
Amy VanRoekel, soprano
Sarah Williams, mezzo-soprano
Jonathan Boyd, tenor
Lester Lynch, baritone
Virginia Symphony Chorus
Robert Shoup directing
$20-$85
(757) 892-6366
http://www.virginiasymphony.org/

Dec. 10 (8 p.m.)
Paramount Theater, 215 E. Main St., Charlottesville
Virginia Glee Club
Christmas program
$20
(434) 979-1333
http://www.theparamount.net/

Dec. 10 (7 p.m.)
Salem Civic Center, Boulevard Roanoke
Roanoke Symphony
David Stewart Wiley conducting
Roanoke Symphony Chorus
John Hugo directing
Jane Powell, vocalist
Roanoke College Children’s Choir
Kimberly Davidson directing
Salem Choral Society
Aaron Garber directing
"Holiday Pops Spectacular"
$19-$70
(540) 343-9127
http://www.rso.com/

Dec. 10 (8 p.m.)
Center for the Arts, George Mason University, Fairfax
Waverly Consort
"The Christmas Story"
$21-$42
(888) 945-2468 (Tickets.com)
http://cfa.gmu.edu/calendar

Dec. 11 (7 p.m.)
Chesterfield Towne Center, Huguenot Road at Midlothian Turnpike, Richmond
Dec. 12 (3 p.m.)
Virginia Center Commons, 10101 Brook Road, Glen Allen
Central Virginia Wind Symphony
Mike Goldberg directing
Vaughan Williams: "Flourish For Wind Band"
Stuart: "Three Ayers From Gloucester"
Erickson: "Air For Band"
Williams: "The Cowboys"
Anderson: "Sleigh Ride"
Anderson: "A Christmas Festival"
Christmas carol sing-along
Free
(804) 342-8797
http://www.thewindsymphony.com/

Dec. 11 (8 p.m.)
Center for the Arts, George Mason University, Fairfax
Synergy Brass Quintet
"Christmas in Brass"
$22-$44
(888) 945-2468 (Tickets.com)
http://cfa.gmu.edu/calendar

Dec. 11 (8 p.m.)
Dec. 12 (3 p.m.)
Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD
National Philharmonic
National Philharmonic Chorus
Stan Engebretson conducting
Handel: "Messiah"
Audrey Elizabeth Luna, soprano
Yvette Smith, mezzo-soprano
Don Bernardini, tenor
Christòpheren Nomura, baritone
$32-$79
(301) 581-5100
http://www.strathmore.org/

Dec. 12 (4 p.m.)
Bon Air Presbyterian Church, 9201 W. Huguenot Road, Richmond
Second Sunday South of the James:
Handel: "Messiah" (sing-along performance)
Karen Floyd Savage, soprano
Heather Jones, mezzo-soprano
Tracey Welborn, tenor
Colin Porter, bass
chamber orchestra, harpsichord & organ
Anne Carr Regan conducting
Donation requested
(804) 272-7514

Dec. 13 (7 p.m.)
Dec. 21 (7 p.m.)
Dec. 24 (1 p.m.)
Kennedy Center Concert Hall, Washington
Choral Arts Society of Washington
American Youth Philharmonic
Norman Scribner conducting
"The Treasured Holiday Tradition"
$15-$65
(800) 444-1324
http://www.kennedy-center.org/

Dec. 15 (7:30 p.m.)
Old Cabell Hall, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
Choirs of Jesus College, Cambridge
program TBA
$10; proceeds benefit Pacem
(434) 924-3376
http://artsandsciences.virginia.edu/music/concertsevents/index.html

Dec. 16 (7 p.m.)
Dec. 17 (8 p.m.)
Dec. 18 (8 p.m.)
Dec. 19 (1 p.m.)
Kennedy Center Concert Hall, Washington
National Symphony Orchestra
Rinaldo Alessandrini conducting
Handel: "Messiah"
Klara Ek, soprano
Alisa Kolosova, mezzo-soprano
Michele Angelini, tenor
John Martin Royo, bass-baritone
University of Maryland Concert Choir
Edward Maclary directing
$20-$85
(800) 444-1324
http://www.kennedy-center.org/

Dec. 16 (7:30 p.m.)
Terrace Theater, Kennedy Center, Washington
Anonymous 4
"Noël: Carols and Chants for Christmas"
$38
(800) 444-1324
http://www.kennedy-center.org/

Dec. 17 (8 p.m.)
Harrison Opera House, 160 E. Virginia Beach Boulevard, Norfolk
Dec. 18 (8 p.m.)
Sandler Arts Center, 201 Market St., Virginia Beach
Virginia Symphony
Virginia Symphony Chorus
Robert Shoup conducting
Stephanie Joiner, soprano
David Krohn, baritone
Virginia Children’s Chorus
Holiday pops program
$20-$85
(757) 892-6366
http://www.virginiasymphony.org/

Dec. 18 (3 and 8 p.m.)
Paramount Theater, 215 E. Main St., Charlottesville
Oratorio Society of Virginia
L. Thomas Vining directing
First Presbyterian Church Handbell Choir
Jeff LeDuc directing
Daniel Pinkham: "Christmas Cantata"
other works TBA
$15-$55
(434) 295-4385
http://www.oratoriosociety.org/

Dec. 18 (8 p.m.)
Dec. 19 (4 p.m.)
Center for the Arts, George Mason University, Fairfax
Vienna Choir Boys
Christmas program
$24-$48
(888) 945-2468 (Tickets.com)
http://cfa.gmu.edu/calendar

Dec. 18 (1 p.m.)
Dec. 19 (7 p.m.)
Dec. 20 (7 p.m.)
Dec. 22 (7 p.m.)
Kennedy Center Concert Hall, Washington
The Washington Chorus
Julian Wachner directing
"A Candlelight Christmas"
$15-$65
(800) 444-1324
http://www.kennedy-center.org/

Dec. 18 (4 p.m.)
Kennedy Center Concert Hall, Washington
Choral Arts Society of Washington
Joseph Holt directing
Mary Hall Surface, playwright & director
"The Night Before Christmas"
$15-$45
(800) 444-1324
http://www.kennedy-center.org/

Dec. 18 (8 p.m.)
Coolidge Auditorium, Library of Congress, First and Independence streets SE, Washington
Sybarite5
Dvořák: String Quintet in G major, Op. 77
Dan Visconti: "Black Bend"
Mozart: Divertimento in F major, K. 138
Piazzolla: three tangos
"Radiohead Remixed Project" (excerpts)
Free; tickets required
(703) 573-7328 (Ticketmaster)
www.loc.gov/rr/perform/concert/1011-schedule.html

Dec. 19 (3 and 7:30 p.m.)
Mansion at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD
Baltimore Consort
program TBA
$28
(301) 581-5100
http://www.strathmore.org/

Dec. 20 (8 p.m.)
Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD
Cathedral Choral Society
J. Reilly Lewis directing
Maret School Concert Choir
James Erwin directing
Todd Fickley, organ
Washington Symphonic Brass
"The Joy of Christmas"
$25-$80
(301) 581-5100
http://www.strathmore.org/

Dec. 21 (7:30 p.m.)
Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD
The Washington Chorus
Julian Wachner directing
Select Vocal Ensemble, W.T. Woodson High School, Fairfax
Michael Ehrlich directing
"A Candlelight Christmas"
$15-$45
(301) 581-5100
http://www.strathmore.org/

Dec. 31 (8:30 p.m.)
Kennedy Center Concert Hall & Grand Foyer, Washington
National Symphony Orchestra members
Murry Sidlin conducting
"New Year’s Eve at the Kennedy Center"
$50-$95
(800) 444-1324
http://www.kennedy-center.org/