Music invigorates any special occasion and this holiday season is no exception. In fact, there is a huge tradition of music and song that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, the spirit of giving and the importance of family.
This weekend and next, the holiday spirit will be in full flush with carol services, charity fundraisers and celebrated readings guaranteed to leave participants with a warm glow.
Below are a few very diverse performances that may pique your interest.
Handel's Messiah
Pro Coro Canada, Da Camera Singers & Edmonton Symphony Orchestra
Saturday, Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 11 at 2 p.m.
Winspear Centre
Tickets start at $24. Call 780-428-1414
Soak up the floating score of George Frederic Handel's Messiah, one of the most famous and often performed sacred works ever written.
Pro Coro and Da Camera Singers with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra perform a full-length version of this powerful composition on Saturday.
In a new twist the Sunday performance is an abbreviated version of 65 minutes for people wanting simply a taste of Messiah.
Swedish-born, San Francisco-based conductor Ragnar Bohlin as well as four soloists are featured during these moving and spiritual concerts.
Winter Stars
Kokopelli
Saturday, Dec. 10 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
McDougall United Church
Tickets start at $15. Call 780-420-1757
Winter Stars is Kokopelli's largest concert of the season with 360 vocalists raising their voices to build an incredible wall of sound.
The six choirs, known for their global affiliations, will nurture the soul singing seasonal music from around the world and from various religious traditions.
From kindergarten to adult singers, the choristers pair up to feature mass choirs united in song with the Kokopelli signature spirit and energy.
Festive Brass
Mill Creek Colliery Band
Saturday, Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m.
Bethel Lutheran Church
Sherwood Park
Tickets start at $15 at door
Christmas carols take a brassy turn as the Mill Creek Colliery Band plays its heart out in Festive Brass.
The 28-piece British style brass band pulls out its music sheets to play a variety of favourites – March of the Toys, Theme on Coventry Carol, Three Kings, Silent Night and In the Bleak Mid-Winter to name a few.
All that's needed is some good old British mulled wine.
Sing We Now of Christmas
Joyful Noise Choir
Saturday, Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m.
Sacred Heart of the First Peoples
10821 – 96 St.
Admission by donation
One of Edmonton's most giving choirs, Joyful Noise, (all 50 of them) are belting out beautiful Christmas carols including the very powerful international Silent Night relay at Sing We Now of Christmas.
During this carol, vocalists from Edmonton's international community are invited to join in singing in their mother tongue.
Sacred Heart Parish is in the inner city and all proceeds will be passed on to the church. The audience is also invited to bring non-perishable food items that will be included in Christmas hampers.
Breath of Heaven
Concordia Community Chorus, Bella Voce Concordia and Jubiloso Bells of Concordia
Sunday, Dec. 11 at 3 p.m.
Concordia University
7128 Ada Boulevard
Tickets start at $15. Call 780-420-1757
Ting. Ting. Ting. Choral, handbell and congregational voices fly through a program that features French and German alongside modern Canadian works.
Award-winning composer Betty Radford, a Jubiloso ringer is also contributing a new piece written for handbells that meshes four treasured carols.
Peace and Joy
Edmonton Vocal Minority and Chorealis
Monday, Dec. 12 at 7 p.m.
Unitarian Church of Edmonton
Free admission
Enjoy a festive blend of carols and a sing-along at Peace and Joy with Edmonton Vocal Minority and Chorealis singing together and as solo choirs.
A special highlight this year is "Eine kleine Christmas market" and a live auction of one-of-a-kind, handcrafted snowmen. Proceeds go to EVM and the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada.
To gift-wrap the concert, refreshments will be served.
