Watch CBS News

Boston Holiday Concert Preview

The clear crisp mornings of New England signal the coming of the holiday concert season in Boston. Boston tradition continues with rich musical talents performing throughout November and December. Don't miss the best of this year's holiday offerings at some of the best venues in the city.
bso
(Photo Credit: BSO/Facebook)

Boston Symphony Orchestra 
Symphony Hall

301 Massachusetts Ave.
Boston, MA 02115 
(617) 266-1492
www.bso.orgPrice: from $30/free children ages 2 and younger
Date: Nov. 23 to Nov. 27 – 1:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Nov. 29 to Dec. 1 – 1:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Dec. 5 to Dec. 24 – times vary
Click here for calendar events.

The Boston Pops is best known for its concerts on the Esplanade. For the winter months, however, this company of extraordinary musicians nestles in at Symphony Hall, transforming its stage for the holidays to include a magical place for all ages. BSO makes the holidays a family affair. Keith Lockhart conducts the "2012 Holiday Pops" throughout the month of December including all of the festive winter classics. The "Holiday Pops Kids Matinee" features singalongs and a special visit from Santa. Featured pianist Christian Zaccarias performs Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven with the orchestra for the month of November. This year, Beethoven's ballet score of "The Creature's of Prometheus" will be the highlighted movement performed exclusively by the BSO. Don't miss "Berlioz, Saint-Saëns, MacMillan and Roussel" with Stephane Deneve returning to the podium for the third consecutive season, bringing along all things French. Add the Dinner Package when ordering your tickets to experience nearby L'Espalier Restaurant in the Back Bay.

Boston Baroque
(Photo from Facebook)

Boston Baroque
NEC's Jordan Hall
30 Gainsborough St.
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 585-1260
bostonbaroque.orgPrice: from $25
Date: Dec. 7 to Dec. 8 – 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 31 to Jan 1 – 8 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Click here for calendar events.

Founded in 1973, The Boston Baroque Orchestra performs orchestral, choral, and operatic works using instruments and performance techniques that reflect the Baroque and Classical eras. Easily enjoyed all year long, there is something uniquely baroque about the winter season. "Handel's Messiah," one of Boston's holiday traditions will be performed this year by Mary Wilson, soprano, Ann McMahon Quintero, mezzo-soprano, John McVeigh, tenor and Andrew Garland, baritone, all led by Martin Pearlman. Boston Baroque moves its company for the final concert of the year to Sander's Theater Memorial Hall at Harvard University (45 Quincy St., Cambridge), for a "Gala New Year's Eve & First Day Concert" including a fizzy champagne reception.

Chucho Valdes Quartet
(Photo from Facebook)

Celebrity Series of Boston
20 Park Plaza, Suite 1032
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 482-2595
www.celebrityseries.orgPrice: from $25
Date: Nov. 29 – 8 p.m.; Nov. 30 – 8 p.m.; Dec. 2 – 3 p.m.
Click here for calendar events.

The Celebrity Series of Boston presents two multi-Grammy Award winning performers this holiday season. The Chucho Valdes Quartet brings Latin and Cuban jazz to the Berklee Performance Center. Considered one of the best jazz pianists of his day, Chucho Valdes has toured more than 50 countries, with an international reputation in Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center and the Lincoln Center. Moving once again to the New England Conservatory of Music's Jordan Hall, experience the harmonizing mastery of "Chanticleer." For more than 27 years, this three-time Grammy Award-winning men's chorale ensemble has been delighting audiences all around the world. Its repertoire spans centuries from Gregorian chants to jazz to spirituals. To round out the season, kick back to the classics with the Emerson String Quartet also performing at the NEC. It holds nine Grammy awards, appearing at venues in music capitals across the world. Expect Eugene Drucker, Phillip Setzer, violinists; Lawrence Dutton, viola and David Finckel on the cello. Its program includes Dvorak, Schumann and Brahms.

grinch
(Photo Credit: Citi Wang Theater)

Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
Citi Wang Theatre
270 Tremont St.
Boston MA 0211
(617) 482-9393
www.citicenter.org

Price: $125
Date: Nov. 23 to Dec. 9
Click here for schedule.The Wang Theatre has housed the performing arts since opening in 1925, and plans to do so again this holiday season by allowing the Grinch to steal Christmas right from under its roof. "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" has been breaking a few Broadway production records, making it a must see for the entire family. Don't be surprised if you find yourself humming, "You're a Mean One Mr. Grinch" or "Welcome Christmas" all of the way home.

Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra
(Photo Credit: Bostonphil.org)

Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra
295 Huntington Ave., Suite 210
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 236-0999
www.bostonphil.orgPrice: $25 and $30/$5 off for students, BSO alumni and seniors
Date: Nov. 25 – 3 p.m.

New Englander have the richest musical experiences for every season in the Boston area. Benjamin Zander, conductor of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra, has made it his mission to found and dedicate his musical and emotional intensity to the BPYO. Zander brings about an artistic wonderland for the youth of this area that will resound with them throughout their lives. Stunning performances are guaranteed with only four concerts per season.

Related: 2012 Boston Holiday Theater Preview

Freelance writer Corinne Costantino presents expert tips and tricks to everything Boston with over 30 yrs of shopping and fashion sense. Get your edge on everyday style with a Master Seamstress and Art enthusiast. Recently designing her own clothing line and sharing her unique wardrobe with friends and family, featuring many peices in textile shows across Massachusetts. She extends her knowledge base by offering fashion tips, beauty hints, and shopping advice that will balance your style between trends and make functional practicality versatile. Her work can be found on http://www.examiner.com/early-childhood-parenting-in-boston/corinne-costantino

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.