Calendar of Events
Classical Music
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MondayDecember 2008 |
Anthony Elliott: U-M School of Music.
Dec. 1 & 4 (different programs). This U-M cello professor plays Bach suites. Tonight: Suite no. 1 in G Major, Suite no. 2 in D Minor, and Suite no. 3 in C Major.
U-M Music School Blanche Anderson Moore Recital Hall, 1100 Baits Dr. (off Broadway), North Campus. Free. 764-0594.
"Mad about Chamber Music": Kerrytown Concert House.
Dec. 1 & 8. An informal concert by U-M music students of instrumental and vocal works in solos, duos, trios, and quartets. Proceeds benefit a local charity.
KCH, 415 N. Fourth Ave. Free; donations accepted. Reservations suggested. 769-2999.
Flute Ensembles: EMU Music Department.
Julie Stone and Amy Wagner direct the music-student Flute Choir and small ensembles in a program TBA.
EMU Alexander Recital Hall, Lowell at E. Circle Dr., Ypsilanti. Free. 487-2255.
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TuesdayDecember 2008 |
"Bach`s Lunch Organ Concert Series": Bethlehem United Church of Christ.
Local keyboardist Martha Folts plays clavichord and virginal works TBA. Followed by lunch ($5).
Bethlehem United Church of Christ, 423 S. Fourth Ave. Free. 665-6149.
"Christmas Plus": U-M Organ Club.
Seven members of this student-run club perform carol settings and organ masterworks on the First Presbyterian Church's recently renovated Schoenstein organ. Includes works by Bach, Buxtehude, Dupre, Widor, Andriessen, and others.
First Presbyterian Church, 1432 Washtenaw. Free; donations accepted for the church's music fund. 565-5226.
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WednesdayDecember 2008 |
Brown Bag Organ Series: U-M School of Music.
Recital by U-M organ professor James Kibbie and local tenor Thom Spafford. Program TBA. Bring a bag lunch.
U-M School of Public Health Community Room, 109 S. Observatory. Free. 764-0594.
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ThursdayDecember 2008 |
Gifts of Art: U-M Hospitals.
Dec. 4, 6, 11, & 18. Performances by local musicians. Today: a program of music ranging from Baroque to contemporary jazz by the U-M grad student duo of violinist Javier Orman and pianist Matthew Brower.
U-M Hospital lobby, 1500 E. Medical Center Dr. (off Fuller). Free. 936-ARTS.
Fall Concert: U-M Residential College Singers
. RC students present a program of choral music TBA. Also, a guest performance by the Boychoir of Ann Arbor.
RC Auditorium, East Quad, 701 East University. Free; donations accepted for aid efforts in Darfur. 647-4378.
Annual Winter Sing: Pioneer High School.
Kenneth Westerman leads all 11 of the school's vocal groups in an eclectic program of traditional and contemporary choral music, highlighted by the annual favorite "Wintertime Aglow."
Pioneer High School Schreiber Auditorium, 601 W. Stadium at S. Main. Free. 994-2120.
Winter Choir Concert: Huron High School.
Richard Ingram and Bonnie Kidd lead all of the Huron choirs in a program of works by Rene Clausen, Hans Leo Hassler, Maurice Durufle, James Syler, and others.
Huron High School, 2727 Fuller Rd. Free. 994-2040.
Upper School Orchestra and Choir Concert: Greenhills School.
All of the school's choirs are joined by the orchestra in a program TBA.
Greenhills School Campbell Center for the Performing Arts, 850 Greenhills Dr. (off Earhart). Free. 205-4091.
Anthony Elliott: U-M School of Music.
Dec. 1 & 4 (different programs). This U-M cello professor plays Bach suites. Tonight: Bach's Suite no. 4 in E-flat Major, Suite no. 5 in C Minor, and Suite no. 6 in D Major.
U-M Music School Blanche Anderson Moore Recital Hall, 1100 Baits Dr. (off Broadway), North Campus. Free. 764-0594.
Rene Lecuona: EMU Music Department.
Recital by this University of Iowa piano professor. Program TBA.
EMU Alexander Recital Hall, Lowell at E. Circle Dr., Ypsilanti. Free. 487-2255.
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FridayDecember 2008 |
Winter Concert: U-M Compulsive Lyres.
Performance by this U-M student a cappella ensemble.
East Hall, 530 Church. $7 (students, $5) in advance at lyres@umich.edu and at the door. compulsivelyres.com.
"A Joint Holiday Choral Concert": Measure for Measure/U-M Men's Glee Club.
Steven Lorenz directs the local men's chorus Measure for Measure and Paul Rardin directs the U-M Men's Glee Club in separate programs of Christmas songs. Both choruses come together for a performance of Biebl's Ave Maria and Wendell Whalum's arrangement of the traditional Nigerian Christmas song "Betelehemu."
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 2250 E. Stadium. $15 (seniors, students with ID, and kids age 11 & under; $10) in advance and at the door. 649-7664.
Winter Concert: U-M Harmonettes.
This peppy all-female a cappella group performs original arrangements of oldies and pop numbers. Its repertoire includes Duffy's "Mercy," Michael Jackson's "The Way You Make Me Feel," Cyndi Lauper's "Time after Time," Regina Spektor's "Fidelity," and more.
Michigan Union Pendleton Room. $8 (students, $5; $1 discount for donated gloves, hat, or mittens). (414) 232-8956.
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SaturdayDecember 2008 |
Gifts of Art: U-M Hospitals.
Dec. 4, 6, 11, & 18. Performances by local musicians. Today: a holiday variety show by Nephrology & Friends.
U-M Hospital lobby, 1500 E. Medical Center Dr. (off Fuller). Free. 936-ARTS.
Today's Brass Quintet: Kerrytown Concert House Croissant Concert.
A popular holiday tradition featuring this ensemble of area professional musicians that today performs holiday tunes. Quintet members are French hornist Alan Taplin, trombonist Brian Robson, tubaist Joseph DeMarsh, and trumpeters Jean Moorehead Libs and David Ammer. Croissants, coffee, and juice included.
KCH, 415 N. Fourth Ave. $10, $15, & $25. Reservations suggested. 769-2999.
"Sing Along with Santa": Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra.
This popular annual family concert features a carol sing-along led by former orchestra staff member Charley Sullivan as Santa. With bassist Erin Zurbuchen, pianist Lori Zupan, erhu player Xiaodong Wei, and an Ann Arbor Youth Chorale ensemble. Michigan Football Network radio personality Lucy Ann Lance emcees. Followed by cookies, apple cider, and photos with Santa.
Bethlehem United Church of Christ, 423 S. Fourth Ave. Tickets $12 (children 12 & under, $5; families, $30; patrons, $50) in advance at the AASO office (220 E. Huron suite 470) and a2so.com, and at the door. 994-4801.
Early Music Ensemble: U-M School of Music.
Edward Parmentier directs this student ensemble in songs by Byrd, Hassler, Monteverdi, and Gabrieli, and works by Bach, Couperin, and Marais.
U-M Music School Blanche Anderson Moore Recital Hall, 1100 Baits Dr. (off Broadway), North Campus. Free. 764-0594.
Youth Orchestras: Ann Arbor School for the Performing Arts.
The school's Junior String Orchestra, Sterling String Orchestra, and Youth Symphony Orchestra play "America the Beautiful" and other works TBA.
WCC Morris Lawrence Bldg. Towsley Auditorium, 4800 E. Huron River Dr. Free, but donations accepted. 213-2000.
Annual Fall Concert: U-M Gospel Chorale.
Gospel music by this coed a cappella ensemble, plus dance by the Images of Praise dance team. Also, a performance by the Prophetic Interpreters mime team.
New Life Church, 1541 Washtenaw. Free admission; donations accepted. (313) 300-8057.
"12th Annual Evening of Sacred Song: A Seasonal Celebration of Peace, Community, and Spirit": Sacred Song.
This ad hoc local vocal ensemble presents an evening of songs from numerous spiritual traditions worldwide. The concert features works performed with and without instrumental accompaniment. Also, sing-alongs. Sacred Song members are Yarrow Halstead, Laura Machida, Cassandra Compton-Montgomery, Dale Petty, Robin Wilson, Mary Wilson, LaRon Williams, Mary Anne Perrone, Barbara Stahler-Sholk, Don Allen, Dave SmilingSun, Tom Voiles, Gae Winn, Max and Sam Deschamps, and Edie Lewis. Proceeds benefit Arbor Hospice, the VA Ann Arbor Palliative Care Program, and Carpenter Elementary School.
Genesis of Ann Arbor, 2309 Packard. $5-$20 (kids under age 12, free) sliding scale at the door only. 761-7962.
130th Annual "Messiah": University Choral Union (University Musical Society).
Dec. 6 & 7. Jerry Blackstone directs the choral union, and members of the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra, in Handel's beloved oratorio. The soloists, all established professionals with national or international reputations, are soprano Mary Wilson, mezzo-soprano Claudia Huckle, tenor John Tessier, and baritone Joshua Hopkins. The Choral Union Messiah, featuring a thunderous sing-along of the "Hallelujah" Chorus, has been an Ann Arbor tradition ever since organist (and U-M president) Henry Frieze led an impromptu community chorus in the spring of 1879, a performance that led the next winter to the formation of both the Choral Union and the UMS. Preceded at 7 p.m. by a talk by Blackstone (free to ticketholders) on the history of the Messiah.
Hill Auditorium. Tickets $10-$32 in advance at the Michigan League and ums.org, and (if available) at the door. To charge by phone, call 764-2538 or (800) 221-1229.
"Swinging on a Star: Class of 1908": Kerrytown Concert House.
See review. Pianist (and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer) Bill Bolcom and mezzo-soprano Joan Morris, a local husband-and-wife duo internationally renowned for their interpretations of early American popular songs, perform cabaret songs by composers born in 1908 and premiere some of Bolcom's "minicabs" (short cabaret songs). The program includes Johnny Burke's "Swinging on a Star," Johnny Green's "I`m Yours," Harold Rome's "Wish You Were Here," and Leroy Anderson's "The Syncopated Clock." "Yes, [Morris] has that wonderful voice, clear as water; she has the diction that is as immaculate as it is pointed," says a Boston Globe reviewer, "but what makes her singing work is the way the clear stream of her voice throws back reflections of every gradation of human feeling; she comes at a song from within and thereby proves its worth. Bolcom's ingenuity in creating rhythmically lively and harmonically rich accompaniment seems to be limitless."
KCH, 415 N. Fourth Ave. $15, $20, & $30. Reservations recommended. 769-2999.
"53rd Annual Study Break Concert": U-M Friars.
This self-styled "crack squad of supercrooners," an a cappella octet drawn from the Men's Glee Club, sings a college-themed parody of Barenaked Ladies' "If I Had a Million Dollars" as well as other parodies and oldies. The Friars also celebrate the release of their new CD, Second or Third Best.
Rackham Auditorium. $5 in advance at the Michigan Union Ticket Office & $6 at the door. 763-TKTS.
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SundayDecember 2008 |
Michigan Marching Band Annual Crisler Concert.
A festive concert featuring highlights of the past season's pregame and halftime shows, plus U-M school songs. Also, performances by guest high school musicians.
Crisler Arena. Tickets $10 (kids age 11 & under, $3) in advance at mmb.music.umich.edu and at Revelli Hall, 350 E. Hoover, and at the door. 764-0582.
Gabriel Richard High School Madrigal Singers: Barnes & Noble.
Anne Kolaczkowski directs this local high school choir in a program of traditional Christmas music.
Barnes & Noble, 3235 Washtenaw. Free. 973-1618.
33rd Annual Christmas Sing: Western Kiwanis Club of Ann Arbor/Ann Arbor North Rotary Club/Notre Dame Club of Ann Arbor.
More than 500 people usually attend this family-oriented event. Kiwanis members Jeff Crause, Charlie Phibbs, Mike Fedel, and Tony Fahmie lead the audience in a sing-along of favorite Christmas carols. Organ accompanist is Andrew Rogers. Also, a visit from Santa and guest performances by the St. Francis Assisi Middle School Choir and by Miss Washtenaw County, who does a baton twirling routine. Emcee is Michigan Football Network radio personality Lucy Ann Lance.
Michigan Theater. Free. 668-8397.
"9th Annual Tuba Christmas."
All invited to bring an instrument, a folding chair, and a music stand to join around 40 players in an outdoor performance of holiday carols "heard as never before," says an organizer, on tubas, euphoniums, sousaphones, and baritone horns. One of innumerable outdoor concerts held today across the nation and in Canada in memory of tuba legend William Bell. Registration and rehearsal at the U-M music school begins at 9:30 a.m. Music books available ($11). Dress warmly.
S. State at North University. Free (performers, $7). 395-9544.
130th Annual "Messiah": University Choral Union (University Musical Society).
Dec. 6 & 7. Jerry Blackstone directs the choral union, and members of the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra, in Handel's beloved oratorio. The soloists, all established professionals with national or international reputations, are soprano Mary Wilson, mezzo-soprano Claudia Huckle, tenor John Tessier, and baritone Joshua Hopkins. The Choral Union Messiah, featuring a thunderous sing-along of the "Hallelujah" Chorus, has been an Ann Arbor tradition ever since organist (and U-M president) Henry Frieze led an impromptu community chorus in the spring of 1879, a performance that led the next winter to the formation of both the Choral Union and the UMS. Preceded at 7 p.m. by a talk by Blackstone (free to ticketholders) on the history of the Messiah.
Hill Auditorium. Tickets $10-$32 in advance at the Michigan League and ums.org, and (if available) at the door. To charge by phone, call 764-2538 or (800) 221-1229.
The Willis Patterson Our Own Thing Chorale.
This popular local choir is joined by the Ypsilanti Youth Orchestra in a program of Christmas music.
West Middle School gymnasium, 105 N. Mansfield, Ypsilanti. Free; donations accepted. 769-4437.
"The Musicals of Jerry Herman": Chaverim B'Shirim.
This local Jewish choir performs songs by the composer of Hello Dolly, Mame, La Cage aux Folles, and other popular musicals. Refreshments.
Jewish Community Center, 2935 Birch Hollow Dr. (off Stone School Rd. south of Packard). $5 donation. 971-0990.
20th Annual Winter Concert: Ann Arbor Youth Chorale.
2 ensembles of talented local youth singers perform spiritual and folk songs, works by Mozart and Praetorius, and the seasonal "Let It Snow."
Bethlehem United Church of Christ, 423 S. Fourth Ave. Tickets $10 (students, seniors, & kids; $5) at the door only. 996-4404.
"Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols": St. Thomas Catholic Church.
Lucia Campbell directs the church choir in this traditional English service, in which scripture readings alternate with seasonal anthems and carols. Songs include "O Little Town of Bethlehem," "Once in Royal David's City," "Stille Nacht," "Gesu Bambino," "We Three Kings," "Creator of the Stars of Night," and "Joy to the World." Accompanist is organist Timothy Tikker.
St. Thomas Catholic Church, Kingsley at N. State. Free. 761-8606.
Chamber Music Recital: U-M School of Music.
Music students perform works TBA.
U-M Walgreen Drama Center Stamps Auditorium, 2116 Murfin, North Campus. Free. 764-0594.
Chamber Choir and University Choir: EMU Music Department.
These 2 music-student ensembles present "Adoration and Praise," a selection of fragments of the Mass representing a variety of cultures and styles, including excerpts from the Caribbean Mass, Missa Criolla, Missa Kenya, and the Gospel Mass. Also, gospel songs and spirituals.
Pease Auditorium, EMU campus, W. Cross at College Place, Ypsilanti. Free. 487-2255.
"Music Beyond": University Choir (U-M School of Music).
Paul Rardin conducts this music-student ensemble in Daniel Locklair's "Changing Perceptions," Dello Joio's "A Jubilant Song," Brahms's "Schaffe in mir Gott, ein rein Herz," Abbie Betinis's arrangement of "Long Time Trav'ling," George Allen's "Take My Hand, Precious Lord," and Robert Morris's arrangement of "Bound for Mount Zion."
Hill Auditorium. Free. 764-0594.
