Last time, we talked about the Santa Claus Parade and I know that put me into the holiday spirit last weekend. The lights, the snow, the big guy in red--it's enough to make me want to run and open my advent calendar early (and then be sorely disappointed when I don't have any more little chocolates left on Dec 19).
But of course, it wouldn't be Christmas without a little music to go along with it. Starting next week, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra has a whole suite of holiday concerts running through December to put a jingle in your step.
A Prairie Christmas Celebration, Nov 30 Up first is a festive round up of Manitoba talent including iconic children's favourite Fred Penner, local radio celebrity Ace Burpee, local musician JP Hoe and magician Chris Funk. Holiday music plays hand in hand with music from the movies, Broadway and the classics and ends with an audience sing along. Make the evening extra special by partaking in a dazzling meal from Bergmann's on Lombard.
Steve Bell: Keening for the Dawn--Christmastide, Dec 1Both poet and composer, a performance by Steve Bell combines a magic and artistry few artists possess. His captivating spell has drawn audiences from around the world to enjoy his vibrant tenor voice and mastery of the guitar.
Messiah, Dec 6-7 A WSO tradition, Handel's Messiah is the quintessential holiday music experience. The drama unfolds with music's memorable path from darkness to light in a show that never fails to inspire. I dare you not to get just a little choked up during the soaring arias and crashing choruses of The Hallelujah Chorus. It's an evening not to be missed.
The Snowman, Dec 8 A performance for the whole family, Raymond Briggs’s heartwarming holiday film The Snowman comes to life when accompanied by the talents of the WSO. One winter morning a little boy named James wakes up to find that everything outside has turned snow-white. Overjoyed, James builds a snowman and later, when he goes to check on it--the snowman has come to life!
Natalie MacMaster, Dec 13-15 The Cape Breton fiddler with a head of golden curls lights up the Concert Hall with her spunky brand of music. Tap your toes to rave ups, sway to sweeping ballads and try to stay still in your seat during a few bouts of electrifying step dancing.
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