Calendar of Events
Classical Music
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TuesdayDecember 2008 |
"Annual Christmas Concert": The Willis Patterson Our Own Thing Chorale.
U-M music school professor emeritus Willis Patterson directs this popular local choir in a program of Christmas music TBA.
Bethel AME Church, 900 John A. Woods Dr. Free; donations accepted. 769-4437.
Winter Band Concert: Huron High School.
The Varsity, Concert, and Symphony bands perform a program TBA.
Huron High School, 2727 Fuller Rd. Free. 994-2040.
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ThursdayDecember 2008 |
Gifts of Art: U-M Hospitals.
Dec. 4, 6, 11, & 18. Performances by local musicians. Today: the local band Counterpoint.
U-M Hospital lobby, 1500 E. Medical Center Dr. (off Fuller). Free. 936-ARTS.
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FridayDecember 2008 |
The Black House Ceilidh: Kerrytown Concert House.
Dec. 19 & 20. This Detroit-area acoustic ensemble performs traditional Yuletide carols, including Renaissance, Scottish, Spanish, and originals in a traditional vein. "The feel is rustic and raw; you get the distinct impression that this is a minstrel show in your living room," says christmasreviews.com critic Carol Swanson of the band's 2006 CD Upon a Winter's Eve: A Collection of Winter and Yuletide Carols of Yesteryear. "The Black House Ceilidh combines an eclectic array of instrumentals and vocals, and the straightforward presentation is executed with great heart and unfettered simplicity." Members are singer and Highland bagpiper Caleb Gilbert, singer-guitarists Ernesto Villarreal and Kevin Tyler, violinist and a Hardanger fiddle player Judy Plester, lutenist and viola da gambist Michael Manderen, and percussionist Elizabeth Courier.
KCH, 415 N. Fourth Ave. Tickets $10 (students, $5). Reservations suggested. 769-2999.
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SaturdayDecember 2008 |
"Spanish Carols and Sephardic Songs": Vocal Arts Ensemble.
Benjamin Cohen leads this 24-member local vocal ensemble in some Sephardic love songs and holiday music, a Cristobal de Morales motet, and more. Also, the ensemble is accompanied by a guitarist, a marimbist, and a harpist in a performance of Conrad Susa's "Carols and Lullabies."
Genesis of Ann Arbor, 2309 Packard. $15 (students & seniors, $10). 665-7823, 741-7451.
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SundayDecember 2008 |
44th Annual Community "Messiah" Sing.
All interested people capable of reading and performing the vocal parts are invited to join this friendly, informal, unrehearsed performance of Handel's beloved oratorio. Between 150 and 200 singers usually participate, including professionals, semiprofessionals, serious amateurs, families, and church choirs. A volunteer orchestra of 35 to 45 instrumentalists is also needed; prospective players should call the number below as soon as possible to ensure section balance. Directed by former longtime Pioneer High choral director Bob Pratt. Scores provided, or participants may bring their own. (The Prout edition, published by Schirmer, is used.) Orchestra players should bring their own stands and be ready for a warm-up at 2:15 p.m. Cider, water, and hot tea provided; bring goodies to share.
St. Clare Episcopal Church, 2309 Packard. Small donation requested to help defray expenses. For more information, call Meg Gower at 433-0150.
"Songs of Starlight and Inner Vision": Interfaith Center for Spiritual Growth Cafe 704 Coffeehouse.
Candlelight winter solstice concert by Norma Gentile, a local soprano and "sound shaman" whose repertoire of rhapsodic chants includes both originals and works by 12th-century mystic Hildegard von Bingen. Gentile accompanies herself on a Tibetan singing bowl and a shruti box, an Indian drone instrument resembling an accordion.
Interfaith Center for Spiritual Growth, 704 Airport Blvd. $20 in advance at healingchants.com/itinerary.html and at the door. 330-3997.
"Living Nativity": Bethlehem United Church of Christ.
Living Nativity scene with live animals, accompanied by a concert on the church's newly renovated Casavant pipe organ. Also, refreshments and a chance to tour the Journey Room, a minimuseum of the church's history.
Bethlehem United Church of Christ, 423 S. Fourth Ave. Free. 665-6149.
