Need a break from holiday tunes? In December, when concert calendars are chock-full of seasonal events, it’s hard to avoid hearing yet another cheesy rendition of “Walking in a Winter Wonderland”. However, there are still many exciting performances out there for those seeking respite from holiday-themed entertainment or looking for more unusual seasonal fare. (If you’re a holiday music fan, don’t fear — we’ll post a special list of concert picks for you later this week). From hearty medieval carols to sensual tango melodies, there are plenty of unique ways to get festive at the concert hall this month.
Dec. 7 – 9 — The Esoterics chorus reprises SYBILLA, Frank Ferko’s settings of texts by 12th-century mystic Hildegard of Bingen, including a newly-composed world-premiere motet, O nobilissima viriditas. (A different church setting each night, so check location carefully.)
Dec. 10 — Head to Nordstrom Recital Hall for a trio of favorite piano sonatas. Legendary pianist Yefim Bronfman returns to Seattle for a solo recital, featuring sonatas by Haydn, Brahms, and Prokofiev.
Dec. 14 — The musicians of the Baltimore Consort present a festive program of seasonal music at Town Hall. This concert, hosted by the Early Music Guild, will feature a vast array of period instruments. Now’s your chance to see a crumhorn in action!
Dec. 16 — Vivaldi, Beethoven, J.S. Bach, and Vaughan Williams are on the program for Orchestra Seattle‘s “Winter Celebration” concert. Guest conductor Huw Edwards directs the ensemble for this performance at First Free Methodist Church in Queen Anne.
Dec. 21 — Grab your cellphone, MP3 player, or boombox and participate in this year’s performance of Phil Kline’s Unsilent Night, a piece that’s “written specifically to be heard outdoors in the month of December.” Presented by the Seattle Composers’ Salon, the event begins at Wallingford’s Chapel Performance Space and will flow out onto the streets of Seattle.
Dec. 22 — Earshot Jazz presents their 24th annual Sacred Music concert, featuring works by Duke Ellington. The Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra will be joined by the NW Chamber Chorus, guest vocalists, and a tap dancer for this performance at Town Hall.
Dec. 28 – 30 — Seattle Symphony‘s annual performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony has become a local holiday tradition. But this year, the orchestra’s adding a little Latin flavor to this beloved seasonal concert with Astor Piazzolla’s The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires, complete with tango dancers.
