It’s the most traditional time of the year as we run the routines of the December holiday season. Musical groups are no different, bowing to the demand for Nutcrackers and carols, although a few are banking on taking in listeners with performances that are invitingly offbeat. As always, SF Classical Voice offers our list of dozens of holiday-themed concerts and musical events for almost every taste. A wide swathe of the Los Angeles area’s rich musical culture is on display this month. Ignore your inner Grinch and partake.
Star Singers for the Season
Disney Hall: Leslie Odom Jr. (Dec. 1) — The original Aaron Burr in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical Hamilton and the star of the movie One Night in Miami (in which he played soul singer Sam Cooke), Odom recently released a Christmas album that forms the core of his live program at Walt Disney Concert Hall.
Los Angeles Opera: Kristin Chenoweth (Dec. 14) — The Broadway diva who originated the role of Glinda in the musical Wicked sings show tunes and holiday favorites with the LA Opera Orchestra, conducted by Mary-Mitchell Campbell.
BroadStage: Storm Large (Dec. 15) — One of Pink Martini’s great front women performs “Holiday Ordeal,” a “naughty and nice holiday program” mixing classics with contemporary favorites like “2000 Miles” and “Sock It to Me Santa.”
The Soraya: Lea Salonga (Dec. 15) — The Broadway star who played lead roles in Miss Saigon, Les Misérables, Once On This Island, and Allegiance, as well as sang in the Disney animated films Aladdin and Mulan, brings her all-new Christmas show to The Soraya.
Disney Hall: Jennifer Hudson (Dec. 18) — The youngest-ever woman to EGOT (win Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Awards) performs selections from her new Christmas album, The Gift of Love.
Pacific Symphony: Joss Stone (Dec. 20–21) — The Grammy Award-winning English singer-songwriter joins the orchestra at Segerstrom Hall in a holiday pops concert titled “Merry Christmas, Love.”
Christmas A Cappella
Irvine Barclay Theatre: The King’s Singers (Dec. 13) — One of the world’s most sought-after vocal ensembles, these six Englishmen always have an original and entertaining spin to share. In Orange County, the group sings selections from its recent Disney album, along with holiday classics and other pieces from its extensive repertory.
Segerstrom Center for the Arts: Take 6 (Dec. 15) — This great vocal sextet put out one of the finest Christmas albums, He Is Christmas, in 1991 and followed that with We Wish You a Merry Christmas in 1999. The group’s arrangements and close harmonizing are beyond compare, so you can count on this being a memorable holiday concert.
Disney Hall: Chanticleer (Dec. 17) — This men’s chorus is internationally renowned, and its Christmas program is a tried-and-true favorite, featuring music of all centuries. But truthfully, whatever these gents sing they make sound wonderful.
Philharmonic Society of Orange County: Voctave (Dec. 18) — The 11-member a cappella group sings seasonal selections from its 2023 album It Feels Like Christmas.
The Soraya: Sweet Honey in the Rock (Dec. 19) — Currently on its 50th anniversary tour, this group marries a cappella singing with American Sign Language interpretation for the Deaf and hard of hearing. The legendary vocal ensemble rolls into L.A. with “Celebrating the HolyDays.”
Choruses and Caroling
Long Beach Camerata Singers: “Catalyst Candlelight Christmas” (Dec. 4–8) — Featuring the a cappella voices of the Catalyst Chamber Ensemble, this program surrounds concertgoers with warm candlelight, exquisite harmonies, and cherished holiday melodies, evoking the serene beauty of the season. In Long Beach on Dec. 4 and Palos Verdes on Dec. 8.
Pasadena Chorale: The Light of Hope Returning (Dec. 4) and “Twilight of the Year” (Dec. 14–15) — The community chorus presents two holiday programs this year. On Dec. 4 in Pasadena, the full Chorale performs Shawn Kirchner’s The Light of Hope Returning, a midwinter program of reimagined seasonal music. And “Twilight of the Year,” Dec. 14–15 in Altadena, features 16 Chorale singers in an intimate setting.
Cappella Romana: “12 Days of Christmas in the East” (Dec. 6) — One of the West Coast’s most dynamic professional choirs is Portland-based Cappella Romana, which specializes in music from the Greek Orthodox tradition. This year, to our great delight, the group, led by founding Artistic Director Alexander Lingas, is making its way down the coast, stopping at St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church in Irvine for a concert mixing early music and contemporary compositions.
USC Thornton School of Music: Winter Choral Festival (Dec. 6) — The USC Thornton Choral & Sacred Music Department presents this program of carols, readings, and more at St. Vincent de Paul Church. Admission is free and open to the public.
Angel City Chorale: “Bling on the Holidays!” (Dec. 7–8) — Led by Artistic Director Sue Fink and accompanied by the ACC Orchestra, the 180-voice Angel City Chorale performs joyful, sparkling holiday arrangements. The event promises to be “more than just a concert,” including a red-carpet arrival, photo ops, sing-alongs, and other surprises.
Los Angeles Children’s Chorus: Winter Concert (Dec. 7–8) — LACC celebrates joy this season with two winter concerts featuring its various youth choirs, Dec. 7 at First United Methodist Church in Pasadena and Dec. 8 at Pasadena Presbyterian Church.
Los Angeles Master Chorale: “Festival of Carols” (Dec. 7) and “Carols on the Plaza” (Dec. 16) — The Master Chorale spreads holiday cheer with carols in abundance. Artistic Director Grant Gershon conducts seasonal tunes from around the world on Dec. 7 at Disney Hall. And later in the month, join Gershon, 20 Master Chorale singers, and Youth Chorus LA on Jerry Moss Plaza for a free sing-along (song booklets provided) or just some hot chocolate from the Mullin Wine Bar.
Pacific Chorale: “Carols by Candlelight” (Dec. 7–11) and “Tis the Season!” (Dec. 22–23) —Pacific Chorale celebrates the holidays with two festive concerts. “Carols by Candlelight” at Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church has a glowing setting for classic and contemporary carols by composers from Tomás Luis de Victoria to Reena Esmail. “Tis the Season!” at Segerstrom Hall offers holiday favorites, joyful surprises, and a visit from Santa Claus.
Disney Hall: Holiday Sing-Along (Dec. 14) — Led by conductor John Sutton and hosted by Melissa Peterman, this festive tradition features a jazz combo, a choir, and a pipe organ and is a chance for the whole family to join in joyful holiday songs. Arrive early for Winter Wonderland in BP Hall, complete with hot cocoa, crafts, and photos with Santa.
March of the Nutcrackers
Ballet just isn’t the same without an orchestra. There’s no shortage of Nutcracker productions across Southern California this season, but only some feature live music:
Westside Ballet: The Nutcracker (Nov. 30 – Dec. 8) — The Santa Monica College Symphony Orchestra features in Westside Ballet’s production, the longest-running in Southern California (celebrating its 51st anniversary this year). There are nine performances at The Broad Stage, with the company’s top preprofessional artists dancing the lead roles for one special night (Dec. 6).
Los Angeles Ballet: The Nutcracker (Dec. 6–28) — LAB tours its Nutcracker around Southern California in December, but it isn’t until the final performances — Dec. 19–28 at Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre — that the orchestra joins in.
American Ballet Theatre: The Nutcracker (Dec. 12–22) — The New York City company returns to the Segerstrom Center for the holidays. It’s a modern tradition — like ABT’s polished production itself, featuring Alexei Ratmansky’s 2010 choreography — and Pacific Symphony is there to play Tchaikovsky’s score.
Long Beach Ballet: The Nutcracker (Dec. 14–22) — Artistic Director David Wilcox doesn’t skimp on the production demands. Long Beach Ballet’s Nutcracker has a cast of more than 200, plus a full orchestra in the pit, onstage pyrotechnics, and even a live horse. At the Terrace Theater.
And for a slight twist on the classic, try …
American Contemporary Ballet: The Nutcracker Suite (Nov. 30 – Dec. 24) — A contemporary take on Tchaikovsky. The L.A. company’s Nutcracker Suite is stripped down — just the major character dances and only a handful of musicians — but all the more intimate.
The Soraya: Dorrance Dance’s The Nutcracker Suite (Dec. 12) — Step aside, ballet. Tap takes over in Dorrance Dance’s swinging seasonal production, set to Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s classic 1960 arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s timeless tunes. It’s the Sugar Rum Cherry who gets the spotlight here, with the dancers sliding and strutting to music that’s both naughty and oh-so-nice.
Messiah and More
St. Matthew’s Music Guild: Holiday Concert (Dec. 6) — Baroque favorites of the season — from Arcangelo Corelli’s “Christmas Concerto” to Handel’s “Hallelujah” Chorus — resound with the return of this holiday tradition from the Chamber Orchestra, Choir, and Soloists of St. Matthew’s Parish.
Pacific Symphony: Handel’s Messiah (Dec. 8) — Pacific Chorale augments the glory of the orchestra’s annual Messiah concert at Segerstrom Hall. And British guest conductor Christopher Warren-Green leads nothing less than a proper performance.
Musica Angelica: “Christmas in Vienna” (Dec. 14–15) — L.A.’s established period-instrument ensemble is connecting with a certain cosmopolitan spirit this Christmas, playing works by some of Vienna’s most notable residents: Mozart, Haydn, and Arnold Schoenberg. Yes, there’s a bit of 20th century on this otherwise 18th-century program, Dec. 14 in Long Beach and Dec. 15 in L.A.
Los Angeles Master Chorale: Handel-Mozart Messiah (Dec. 15) and Messiah Sing-Along (Dec. 16) — To celebrate its 60th anniversary, the Master Chorale is staging a rare performance of Mozart’s German-language adaptation of Handel’s oratorio, Grant Gershon conducting chorus and orchestra at Disney Hall. But don’t worry: The sing-along Messiah the next night is the standard English version.
Long Beach Camerata Singers: Handel’s Messiah (Dec. 19) — Under the artistic leadership of James K. Bass, the Camerata’s holiday traditions are going strong. For the 17th annual Messiah performance, the singers reunite with Tesserae Baroque Ensemble, though at a different venue from years past — the recently renovated Long Beach City College Auditorium.
Jouyssance: “Spirit Child, the Sequel” (Jan. 4–5, 2025) — Keep up the Christmas spirit even in the new year. L.A.’s enterprising early-music ensemble Jouyssance is once again celebrating the lead-up to Epiphany, finding inspiration in the rich tradition of the Mexican pastorela (or Nativity play).
Winter Pops
Los Angeles Virtuosi Orchestra: “Home for the Holidays!” (Dec. 6) — LAV is joined by MUSYCA Children’s Choir for a wide-ranging program, from John Williams’s Three Holiday Songs from Home Alone to celebratory classical works by Mozart and Antonio Vivaldi, all adding up to a family-friendly musical extravaganza. At the Théâtre Raymond Kabbaz.
New West Symphony: “Winter Spectacular: Holidays of Light” (Dec. 7–8) — NWS and Music Director Michael Christie celebrate the season with music inspired by light. Highlights include Howard Blake’s original score to The Snowman (plus a screening of the film), festive songs with Los Robles Children’s Choir, and an audience sing-along. Dec. 7 in Thousand Oaks and Dec. 8 in Camarillo.
Los Angeles Symphony: Christmas Concert (Dec. 22) — Music Director Hyun Sang Joo has a knack for eclectic and surprising combinations. His orchestra’s holiday concert puts Christmas music in dialogue with classic opera arias, with the help of a 50-member choir and featured soloists. At the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts.
Pasadena Symphony and POPS: “Holiday Candlelight” (Dec. 13–14) — With an extra performance added due to popular demand, these concerts bring together some monumental talent. Broadway star Lisa Vroman joins the Los Angeles Children’s Chorus, the Donald Brinegar Singers & JPL Chorus, and the L.A. Bronze Handbell Ensemble, all under the direction of Brett Mitchell. At All Saints Church.
Disney Hall: Home Alone in Concert (Dec. 21–22) — The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and conductor David Newman play John Williams’s iconic score live to a screening of the beloved holiday film. A heartwarming and hilarious experience for the whole family.
Segerstrom Center for the Arts: “Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert” (Dec. 28) — Waltz into the new year with a concert that brings Vienna’s Golden Age to the West Coast. Vocalists Peggy Steiner and Michael Heim and dancers from San Diego Ballet join the Strauss Symphony of America for a whirling program conducted by Nir Kabaretti, including soaring arias, romantic duets, and festive overtures courtesy of “The Waltz King,” Johann Strauss II.
Holiday Horns and Keyboards
Irvine Barclay Theatre: “Christmas With The 5 Browns” (Dec. 1) — You probably know what a piano duo is, but have you ever heard of a piano quintet? (And not the kind by Robert Schumann or Franz Schubert.) The 5 Browns — an ensemble of four siblings and a friend who all studied at Juilliard together — have 50 fingers to make music with, the more the merrier for a Christmas concert.
Philharmonic Society of Orange County: “The Holidays With Canadian Brass” (Dec. 12) — The stellar Canadian quintet plays its holiday concert at Irvine Barclay Theatre, presented by the Philharmonic Society. This is a group that knows how to have fun, whether it’s with trumpeter Brandon Ridenour’s arrangement of “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” or in an all-brass take on Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade.
Pacific Symphony: “Holiday Organ Spectacular” (Dec. 17) — It’s an Orange County tradition to “celebrate the season with the king of instruments” — specifically, the 4,322-pipe William J. Gillespie Concert Organ in Segerstrom Hall. Members of Pacific Symphony join organist Todd Wilson for this annual program of sacred and secular music.
Southern California Brass Consortium: “Joy to the World” (Dec. 21) — Hector Salazar’s brass band does things a little differently — the group’s 26 players include a harpist and several percussionists, too. The holiday concert is a time to shine, and each year, SCBC shows off new works and new arrangements of familiar favorites. At Bay Shore Community Congregational Church.
Swing Into the Spirit
Irvine Barclay Theatre: Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra (Dec. 5) — When it comes to Christmas, JLCO just keeps on giving. The nation’s premier jazz orchestra has released three albums under the title Big Band Holidays and is set to spread yuletide cheer throughout the U.S. this season. Trombonist Chris Crenshaw directs the group on tour, with vocalists Ekep Nkwelle and Robbie Lee joining in the festivities.
The Soraya: Glenn Miller Orchestra (Dec. 14) — Relive the big band era with a swinging and spirited holiday program from this storied ensemble, founded in its current form in 1956 (a decade after the original Glenn Miller Orchestra disbanded). Music Director Erik Stabnau leads the performance, with vocalist Jenny Swoish taking the spotlight in a number of songs.
Disney Hall: Arturo Sandoval (Dec. 23) — Returning to Disney Hall for a fourth straight year, the legendary Latin jazz trumpeter — who, as of December 2024, can add Kennedy Center Honoree to his list of distinctions — puts his signature spin on holiday favorites. You can expect “a jumping, jiving, jingling night.”
Navidad
Mariachi Sol de México: “Merry-Achi Christmas” (Dec. 6–8) — Mariachi master José Hernández tours this program around the American West every year. But his two bands, Sol de México and Reyna de Los Angeles, call L.A. home. Expect something special with everyone back on their stomping grounds for these three performances at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts.
The Soraya: “Nochebuena: A Christmas Spectacular” (Dec. 7–8) — Celebrate Christmas Eve early. The Soraya’s popular program of traditional Mexican song and dance returns for another season, along with Ballet Folklórico de Los Ángeles, Mariachi Pueblo Viejo, and more regional artists.
Segerstrom Center for the Arts: “Fiesta Navidad” (Dec. 14) — Each year, Mariachi Los Camperos throws a musical party at Segerstrom Hall just before Christmas. It’s one of Orange County’s most beloved holiday events for a reason.
BroadStage: Tres Souls (Dec. 21) — The end of the year is also the end of an era for this local Mexican American trio. After more than a decade together, lead vocalist Rocio Mendoza and guitarists Roberto Carlos and Jesus Martinez are parting ways. Bolero classics and Latin American holiday songs combine in the Santa Monica stop of their farewell tour.
Christmas Eve
The Music Center: 65th Annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration (Dec. 24) — The yearly marathon performance takes over the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion once again on Christmas Eve. As always, around two dozen diverse acts — from classical to gospel to mariachi — are scheduled to appear during the three-hour event, which is also broadcast online and on PBS SoCal.
