2011
CHRISTMAS MUSIC!
Music Makes the Holidays Sing in New England
Music melts the winter chills each holiday season and warms the hearts of New Englanders who celebration family and tradition each December. If you’re home for the holidays, or visiting from out-of-town, there’s plenty of great music to get you into the holiday spirit.
Here’s a sampling of Irish and holiday music you’ll enjoy.
December 2
Four Celtic Voices - - WIN FREE TIX!
Rogers Center for the Arts
Merrimack College
315 Turnpike Street, N. Andover
7:30 p.m. | Advance Tickets: $30 general, $25 for students & seniors | Door: $35
Ticket Office: 978-837-5355 | merrimack.edu | BUY TICKETS HERE
Here's a pefect way to kick off the Holiday season! Brilliant vocals from four exceptionally talented women will transport the audience to ancient Celtic lands, including Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, Galicia and Brittany.
The band seamlessly meld traditional and celtic instruments to enhance a truly enjoyable and unique performance.
CLICK HERE TO ENTER TO WIN FREE TIX!
December 3
Music Worcester presents: The Messiah – George Frederick Handel
Mechanics Hall
321 Main Street, Worcester
8:00 pm | $34-$37 | 508 752-0888 | mechanicshall.org
Messiah, the choral masterwork which remains perhaps the greatest achievement in the entire history of musical composition has been a noteworthy tradition in Worcester since 1897 under the sponsorship of Music Worcester. This eagerly anticipated performance ushers in the holiday season with a capacity audience each year.
December 4
Cherish the Ladies
Blackstone River Theatre
549 Broad Street, Cumberland, RI
8:00 pm |$13 advanced, $15 show day
401 725-9272
| riverfolk.org
Led by master flutist Joannie Madden of the Bronx, Cherish the Ladies are exuberant, accomplished artists who have mastered their music and know how to entertain a crowd.
December 5
The Canadian Tenors Live at the Wilbur - - WIN FREE TIX!
Wilbur Theatre
246 Tremont Street, Boston
7:30 pm concert | $51.65 - $79.20 | ticketmaster.com
The Canadian Tenors are performing just one show in the New England region and we have a pair of tickets to give away. Don't miss this exciting ensemble of four gifted young men with diverse vocal styles and undeniable charm. Victor Micallef, Clifton Murray, Remigio Pereira and Fraser Walters have all achieved international solo success, and they are a perfect blend of tenor voices to get you in the Christmas spirit!
CLICK HERE TO ENTER TO WIN FREE TIX!
December 7-13 & 15-24
Holiday Pops 2011
Boston Symphony Hall
301 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston
1-888-266-1200 | various times | $34-127 | bso.org
Continuing one of Boston's most beloved holiday traditions, conductor Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops open the 2011 Boston Pops Holiday Series in December. Symphony Hall is transformed into a magical place for all ages as the Boston Pops perform the most beloved holiday music.
December 8
Christmas Concert by Irish harpist and singer Áine Minogue
Gaelic Music, Song, Dance, Workshop and Lecture Series
Boston College
2101 Commonwealth Ave., Brighton Campus
6:30 - 8:30 p.m. | Free | irish@bc.edu
617 552-6396 | bc.edu/gaelicroots
Music of the Winter Solstice and Christmas. The Gaelic Roots series is directed by Séamus Connolly, Sullivan Artist-in-Residence and sponsored by the Center for Irish Programs at Boston College.
December 9
WGBH Presents: A Christmas Celtic Sojourn - - WIN FREE TIX!
with Brian O'Donovan
Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts
2 Southbridge Street, Worcester
1-877-571-7469 | $46-$58 | 7:30 pm | thehanovertheatre.org | See All shows
Artistically directed by Paula Plum, this promises to be one of the most exciting Christmas Celtic Sojourns concerts yet. This year's cast includes Ruth Moody, Hanneke Cassel, Halali, Laura Cortese, Lissa Schneckenburger and Flynn Cohen. Also Simon Chrisman, Kieran O’Hare and a whole new selection of dancers. Seamus Egan will again be back on stage, and again in his role as music director. Also, Chico Huff and Ben Wittman. And then of course, there are the surprises! Don't miss out, book now!
CLICK HERE TO ENTER TO WIN A PAIR OF FREE TIX!
December 10
Holiday Pops Concert: Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra
Mechanics Hall
321 Main Street, Worcester
8:00 pm | $37 | 508 752-0888 | mechanicshall.org
A Worcester Holiday Tradition, the Holiday Pops Concert is an ideal celebration for friends and family and company holiday parties! Features traditional favorites of the season, light classics, dance theatre, chorus, and the Tops of Broadway!
December 10-11
BRT - - 4th annual Christmas Celebration
Blackstone River Theatre
549 Broad Street, Cumberland, RI
8:00 pm | $13 advanced, $15 show day
401 725-9272
| riverfolk.org
Blackstone River Theatre holds its 4th annual Christmas Celebration, featuring songs, dancing, carols and recitations performed by local favorites like Pendragon and the Atwater-Donnelly Trio.
December 10, 11, 17, 18 & 24
Holiday Pops
Special Matinees for Kids
Boston Symphony Hall
301 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston
11:00 a.m. |
1-888-266-1200 | bso.org
Five special Christmas matinee performances for kids. These special family concerts include a children's sing-along and post-concert photos with Santa. For those seated at the floor tables, there are special kid-friendly menu options. Children younger than 2 are admitted free.
December 10
WGBH Presents: A Christmas Celtic Sojourn
with Brian O'Donovan
The Music Hall
28 Chestnut Street,
Portsmouth, NH
3:00 pm & 8:00 pm |
$32-$42 | 603-436-2400 | themusichall.org | Tickets | See All shows
Artistically directed by Paula Plum, this promises to be one of the most exciting Christmas Celtic Sojourns concerts yet. This year's cast includes Ruth Moody, Hanneke Cassel, Halali, Laura Cortese, Lissa Schneckenburger and Flynn Cohen. Also Simon Chrisman, Kieran O’Hare and a whole new selection of dancers. Seamus Egan (pictured left) will be back on stage, and again in his role as music director. Also, Chico Huff and Ben Wittman. And then of course, there are the surprises! Don't miss out, book now!
December 11
WGBH Presents: A Christmas Celtic Sojourn
with Brian O'Donovan
Zeiterion Theatre
684 Purchase Street, New Bedford, MA
7:00 pm | 508-994-2900 | $45 - $55 | zeiterion.org | Tickets | Block Party Option | See All shows
Artistically directed by Paula Plum, this promises to be one of the most exciting Christmas Celtic Sojourns concerts yet. This year's cast includes Ruth Moody (pictured left), Hanneke Cassel, Halali, Laura Cortese, Lissa Schneckenburger and Flynn Cohen. Also Simon Chrisman, Kieran O’Hare and a whole new selection of dancers. Seamus Egan will again be back on stage, and again in his role as music director. Also, Chico Huff and Ben Wittman. And then of course, there are the surprises! Don't miss out, book now!
December 11
Dance Prism performs The Nutcracker Ballet
Mechanics Hall
321 Main Street, Worcester
1:00 pm & 5:00 pm shows | $16-$22
508 752-0888 | mechanicshall.org
One of New England’s prized dance companies is bringing The Nutcracker to stage this Christmas. Founded by Scott Ranagan and Mary Demaso, the company has 25 professional dancers and apprentices.
December 14
WGBH Presents: A Christmas Celtic Sojourn
with Brian O'Donovan
Shalin Liu Performance Centre
37 Main Street, Rockport, MA
8:00 pm | 978-546-7391 | rcmf.org | Tickets go on sale to public 10/17
Artistically directed by Paula Plum, this promises to be one of the most exciting Christmas Celtic Sojourns concerts yet. This year's cast includes Ruth Moody, Hanneke Cassel, Halali, Laura Cortese, Lissa Schneckenburger and Flynn Cohen. Also Simon Chrisman (pictured left), Kieran O’Hare and a whole new selection of dancers. Seamus Egan will again be back on stage, and again in his role as music director. Also, Chico Huff and Ben Wittman. And then of course, there are the surprises! Don't miss out, book now!
December 14
Worcester Organ Concert
Mechanics Hall
321 Main Street, Worcester
Noon | Free | 508 752-0888 | mechanicshall.org
This annual Christmastime favorite includes solo and duet organ; piano, timpani, handbells and a festival choir of voices from All Saints, First Baptist, First Unitarian, Holy Family Parish, Trinity Lutheran, United Congregational and Wesley United Methodist Churches, all from downtown Worcester.
December 15
A Classic Irish Christmas with Andy Cooney
Mechanics Hall
321 Main Street, Worcester
7:30 pm | $25-$32.50
508 752-0888 | mechanicshall.org
The magic and meaning of Christmas come alive with Andy Cooney’s annual Christmas pageant. The cast includes humorist George Casey, singer Kate Pursell, the Darrah Carr Dancers and more.
December 16
Adagio Big Band presents: A Jazzy, Snazzy Christmas
Mechanics Hall
321 Main Street, Worcester
7:30 pm | $26-$30
508 752-0888 | mechanicshall.org
A fabulous Christmas show featuring a dynamic, contemporary 27-piece Big Band with strings, vocalists and a combination of ballet and swing dance productions. Enjoy seasonal favorites such as "I'll be Home for Christmas," "The Prayer," "My Favorite Things," and many more!
December 16, 17, 18
A Christmas Celtic Sojourn - - WIN FREE TIX!
with Brian O'Donovan
Cutler Majestic Theatre at Emerson College
219 Tremont Street, Boston
Fri: 8pm |
sat: 3pm + 8pm |
sun: 1pm + 5pm
617-824-8000 | $25 - $75 + fees
| aestages.org | See All shows
Artistically directed by Paula Plum, this promises to be one of the most exciting Christmas Celtic Sojourns concerts yet. This year's cast includes Ruth Moody, Hanneke Cassel (pictured left), Halali, Laura Cortese, Lissa Schneckenburger and Flynn Cohen. Also Simon Chrisman, Kieran O’Hare and a whole new selection of dancers. Seamus Egan will again be back on stage, and again in his role as music director. Also, Chico Huff and Ben Wittman. And then of course, there are the surprises! Don't miss out, book now!
CLICK HERE TO ENTER TO WIN A PAIR OF FREE TIX TO OPENING NIGHT!
December 17
Áine Minogue - - Annual Winter Solstice Concert
with Brendan Bulger on Fiddle
Common Fence Point Music Series at CFP Community Hall
933 Anthony Road, Portsmouth, RI
8:00 pm, Doors 7:00 pm | $20 advance / $23 day of show
401 683-5085 | commonfencemusic.org | Buy Tickets here
Aine spins a magical web with her stories, poetry, song and music. The musical equivalent of a cup of warm, mulled cider beside the fire. The finest folk, roots and world music in an intimate 200 seat listening room. Doors open at 7 pm to the "Folk Tailgate Party." Don't forget your picnic basket!
December 23
Áine Minogue in Concert To Warm the Winter's Night
Club Passim
47 Palmer Streer, Cambridge
7:00 pm | $20 - $18 | clubpassim.org
Aine's harp has entertained Presidents and Prime Ministers. She is a regular performer at folk festivals and concerts throughout the world. Her recordings include The Mysts of Time, Between the Worlds, Circle of the Sun, Celtic Meditation Music, Celtic Lamentations, Celtic Pilgrimage, and most recently a collaboration with filmmaker Michael Yip entitled Winter, A Meditation. Don't miss this beautiful Christmas concert.