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Holiday concerts: soloists, choruses and orchestras do Christmas

Various concerts on tap for December, including multiple Messiahs
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Oak Bay vocalist Stephanie Greaves gets into the holiday spirit with her series of four “Christmas at the Roxy” concerts Dec. 5 through 8. (Black Press File Photo)

Are you in the mood to hear Christmas music, performed in a variety of different ways?

No matter your musical tastes, there’s a little of everything in store for local audiences in December, from soloists to choirs doing full-on Messiahs and more.

Here’s a sampling of some of the shows coming up this month:

Stephanie Greaves, Christmas at the Roxy

Dec. 5 to 7 (8 p.m.), Dec. 8 (2 p.m.), Roxy Theatre, 2657 Quadra St.

The Victoria-based songstress, backed by a talented band of musician friends including her longtime collaborator Darcy Phillips (Jann Arden band), plays four shows of your favourite Christmas classics including “White Christmas,” “Ave Maria” and “Baby It’s Cold Outside.” Joining the group in performance will be tenor Sunny Shams.

Tickets $35, available online at bluebridgetheatre.ca, by phone at 250-382-3370 or at the Roxy box office from Wed.-Sat. noon to 4 p.m.

Ken Lavigne brings his holiday-themed show to the Royal Theatre for two performances, Dec. 7. Photo by Maryam Morrison

A Ken Lavigne Christmas

Dec. 7, 2:30 and 8 p.m., Royal Theatre

The smooth-voiced tenor returns along with the Company B Jazz Trio for his annual Christmas gala concert, featuring songs and stories of the holiday season, perfect for singing along to. You might even get a chance to throw a few snowballs around!

Tickets $32 and up, available online at rmts.bc.ca, by phone at 250-386-6121 or the theatre box office.

Arbutus Singers, Christmas Kitchen Party and Concert

Dec. 11, 7 p.m. at the Alix Goolden Hall, 907 Pandora Ave.

Come and join the 85 members of this non-audition choir for a fun-filled, joyous singalong, a great way to start the holiday season! The concert includes such selections such as “A Soulful Hallelujah,” “Mele Kalikimaka,” “Glow,” “Fond are the Memories” and “Ave Maria.” Don’t miss this uplifting and fun evening in this amazing choral-friendly venue. Directed by Jack Boomer with accompaniment by Robyn McKinnon.

Tickets $20, seniors/students $15, family $40, available online at eventbrite.ca, or by calling 250-384-2840.

Civic Orchestra of Victoria, 21st annual sing-along Messiah

Dec. 18, 7 p.m., Alix Goolden Hall

This perennial holiday classic performance of George Frideric Handel’s famous oratorio, features soprano Anne van der Sloot, mezzo soprano Clara Gallagher, tenor Jan van der Hooft and bass Nathan McDonald soloing in front of the orchestra. But audience members are encouraged to perform the chorus parts, a scenario that makes for a wonderful and moving experience for singers and non-singers alike. Some vocal scores will be available, but those who own a copy are asked to bring it.

Tickets, $24.38/adults, $20.28/seniors and $11.80/students (inc. fees), are available at eventbrite.ca or by phone at 250-384-2840.

Victoria Symphony with the Victoria Choral Society, Handel’s Messiah

Dec. 20 (8 p.m.), Dec. 22 (2:30 p.m.), UVic Centre Farquhar Auditorium

This formidable team joins together again for their annual presentation of Messiah, this time in a new venue. With Giuseppe Pietraroia conducting the orchestra and Brian Wismath guiding the awe-inspiring hundred-voice chorus, it’s the purist’s version of Handel’s masterpiece in Victoria. Soloists include Lara Ciekiewicz (soprano), Andrea Hill (alto), Josh Lovell (tenor) and Brett Polegato (baritone).

Tickets, $35-55/adults/seniors, $20-$30/students, are available at tickets.uvic.ca or by phone 250-721-8480.

Cookeilidh, Celtic Christmas

Dec. 21, 3-4 p.m.; Dec. 28; 2-3 p.m., Craigdarroch Castle, 1050 Joan Cres.

Enjoy an hour of lively Celtic and yuletide music performed in the upstairs Dance Hall. These performances are included with regular admission to the castle ($14.60 adults, $13.60 seniors, $9.50 students ). Craigdarroch is decked out in Victorian Christmas splendour – while here you might also hear carollers adding some seasonal cheer.

CapriCCio Vocal Ensemble, The Night Before The Night Before

Dec. 23, 7:30 p.m., Christ Church Cathedral

CapriCCio joins the Victoria Brass for a heartwarming Christmas special featuring traditional and contemporary music. This favourite tradition for local audiences is family oriented, with children 12-under admitted free with a ticket holder.

Tickets, $25, are available at capriccio.ca or at the Cathedral office.



editor@mondaymag.com

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