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Classical Pick of the Week: Christmas, 2009 Edition
The Bolshoi Ballet can be seen here performing an excerpt from the Nutcracker. You will have a hundred opportunities to see it this month. LAist has compiled a list of Christmas-themed shows this month for your convenience. If there is something we left out, please comment and we will add it as soon as possible.
First things first, the Nutcracker. Everyone loves the Nutcracker (unless you're the Washington Post) . LA Times staffer (formerly of LAist!) Elina Shatkin has a great list of upcoming productions of the Nutcracker here. We recommend the Los Angeles Ballet. You can also get half priced tickets for a few of the shows through Goldstar. Goldstar also has tickets to "A Baroque Christmas" for 50% off. This concert is Sunday, the 20th, at 4 PM.
The Music Center is hosting a variety of holiday shows, starting with the Holiday Organ Spectacular, this Wednesday at 8 PM. The perfect opportunity to hear the Disney Hall's fabled organ. The Los Angeles Master Chorale is doing their Annual 'Messiah' Sing-Along this Saturday at 2 PM and Sunday at 7 PM. If it's too early for you, their final performance is on the 20th. The 15th and 16th include performances of the Messiah as well, if you don't want to participate in the sing-along. Both concerts are at 8 PM. Prices range from 25 to 95 dollars. If there are a lot of seats left, you can call them on the day of and see if you can buy student rush tickets. 20 dollars cash, and you must present a current student ID.
If you're in the OC, the Orange County Performing Arts Center has a few shows for you as well. A quick glance at their calendar reveals a Nutcracker for kids (read: condensed) on the 12th and a performance of the Messiah on the 13th. Their organ spectacular is on the 22nd and the Pacific Chorale is performing a Christmas themed concert on the 20th and 21st. Tickets to the Pacific Symphony are still half off and most shows offer rush tickets as well.
other Christmas shows...
If you're on the Westside (at the Grace Lutheran Church), 'the Choraliers' are putting on a free show this Wednesday the 9th featuring music from Schubert and Torme.
On December 12th, the Hollywood Master Chorale is putting on a program titled "Joy to the World" at 7 PM, at the Wilshire United Methodist Church. 18/20 dollars at the door. Student/senior discounts available.
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The Chorale Bel Canto is celebrating Christmas next weekend with a performance of Respighi's "Laud to the Nativity" and Ohrwall's "The Three Kings". Both shows are at 4 PM on Saturday and Sunday.
The Santa Clarita PAC is kicking off the 10th concert season for the Santa Clarita Master Chorale with Benjamin Britten's "Ceremony of Carols" and other Christmas tunes. Concert is the 13th at 3:30 PM.
If you're looking for something a little different, you can check out traditional Lithuanian and Ukranian holiday music at the Alex Theatre in Glendale. The concert takes place on the 13th at 5 PM. There is also a "Navidad en Mexico" concert on the 19th at 7 PM. Featuring the Ballet Folklorico Mexicano, expect traditional Christmas music, mariachi, and popular dance traditions. This performance takes place at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts.
The Pasadena Symphony is hosting a special holiday concert on the 19th at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. You can expect a little bit of jazz, a little bit of Charlie Brown music, and a few holiday jingles. The concert is at 8 PM.
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You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
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