Concerts in Washington DC
U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own" - A Holiday FestivalNovember 30-December 2, 2012. DAR Constitution Hall, 18th St. between C and D Sts., NW Washington, DC. (703) 696-339. The concert features The U.S. Army Orchestra, The U.S. Army Chorus, and vocalists from The U.S. Army Band Downrange. Free admission, tickets required.
Season’s Greenings at the Botanic Garden
Tuesdays and Thursdays, December 4-27, 2012, 6-8 p.m. National Mall, Washington, DC. Free musical performances amidst the unique holiday exhibit.
Washington National Cathedral
December 7-8, 2012. 3101 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Washington, DC. (202) 537-2228. Enjoy the masterpiece of Handel’s Messiah, The Holiday classic is conducted by Cathedral Music Director Michael McCarthy and features the Washington National Cathedral Choir and Baroque Orchestra. Tickets: $25-$85.
The Washington Revels
December 8-9 and 14-16, 2012. Lisner Auditorium, George Washington University, 21st and H Streets, NW, Washington, DC. (800) 595-4849. The annual Christmas Revels will be a lively celebration of the traditional and early music, dance and drama of Britain and Europe. Tickets: $12-$45.
National Symphony Orchestra Pops: Happy Holidays
December 13–16, 2012. John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC. (202) 467-4600. Capture the spirit of the season with this NSO holiday concert, featuring holiday music in diverse styles. Tickets: $20-$85.
National Geographic Museum: Irish Christmas in America
December 15, 2012. 17th and M Sts. NW Washington, DC. Bridging the Old and New Worlds, this popular annual event features a stellar lineup of traditional musicians including first-time guests Aaron Jones of Old Blind Dogs—adding Scottish flavor to the lineup—and Shannon Lamber-Ryan, leader of the Philly-based Celtic group Runa. Tickets: $30.
Washington National Cathedral
December 15-16, 2012. 3101 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Washington, DC. (202) 537-5527. Joy of Christmas, This festive holiday concert includes favorite carols performed by the Madrigal Singers of St. Albans and National Cathedral Schools and the world premiere of a Christmas carol by renowned American composer Lee Hoiby Tickets: $20-$80.
United States Navy Band Season’s Greetings
December 15-16, 2012 DAR Constitution Hall The Navy Band’s holiday concerts have been crowd favorites in Washington for decades. The concerts will include performances by the Navy Concert Band, Sea Chanters chorus, Cruisers popular music group, and Country Current country/bluegrass ensemble. This year’s program will feature an entertaining variety of holiday selections, from traditional carols like “Silent Night” to modern pop favorites like “Baby, It’s Cold Outside.” Tickets are free.
Free Concerts at the Willard Hotel
Throughout December 2012. 1401 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Washington, DC. Enjoy holiday music from top choral and musical ensembles from around the Washington, DC Metro area.
National Gallery of Art
December 15, 16, 22, and 23, 2012. 7th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC. Celebrate the holiday season with free programs that include caroling, concerts, gallery talks, and more. Guest choirs lead afternoon sing-along caroling at 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Singers and listeners of all ages are welcome.
The Choral Arts Society of Washington
December 16, 2012, 1 p.m. A Family Christmas - with special guests Santa, Frosty and Rudolph, at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall. Tickets: $15-$45. An Enchanted Christmas, December 17, 2012, 7 p.m. and December 24, 2012, 1 p.m. at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall. Capture the spirit of the season with your favorite carols and sing-alongs. Tickets: $15-65.
National Symphony Orchestra's Handel's Messiah
December 20-23, 2012. John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC. (202) 467-4600 Enjoy a concert of favorite holiday music. Tickets: $20-$85.
A Jazz New Year’s Eve
December 31, 2012. John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC. (202) 467-4600. Ring in the New Year in style with a sizzling late-night jazz performance by Freddy Cole and the Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band. Tickets: $75 and up.
See page 2 for holiday concerts in Maryland
See page 3 for holiday concerts in Virginia
