Concerts in Washington DC
Season’s Greenings at the Botanic GardenSelect Tuesdays and Thursdays in December, 6-8 p.m. National Mall, Washington, DC. Free musical performances amidst the unique holiday exhibit.
Washington National Cathedral
December 2-4, 2011. 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.
National Symphony Orchestra Pops: The Perfect Gift - The Canadian Tenors
December 8–11, 2011. 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 Symphony Orchestra's Handel's Messiah
December 15-18, 2011. 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.
U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own" - A Holiday Festival
December 9-11, 2011. 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.
Washington National Cathedral
December 10-11, 2011. 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. New this year: a special family matinee will be held on Saturday, December 12 at noon.
The Washington Revels
December 3-4 and 9-11, 2011. 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 Winter Solstice that transports the audience to Spain in the time of the caliphs, when three cultures flourished -- Moorish, Sephardic and Iberian. Tickets: $12-$45.
Fairfax Choral Society Performing at National Presbyterian Church
December 10, 2011, 5 p.m. Carols for the Old & New Worlds - Adult Chorus, Master Singers, Concert Choir, and Treble Choirs. National Presbyterian Church, Washington, DC. Featured on the program are favorite carols in arrangements spanning six centuries. Renowned organ virtuoso, Eric Plutz, will perform on the magnificent 106-rank Æolian-Skinner pipe organ along with an ensemble of brass, percussion, harp, recorder, and handbells. General Admission - $25 Students - $15.
Free Concerts at the Willard Hotel
Throughout December 2011. 1401 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Washington, DC. Enjoy holiday music from top choral and musical ensembles from around the Washington, DC Metro area.
The United States Army Band, A Holiday Festival
December 9-11, 2011. DAR Constitution Hall, 1776 D. St., NW, Washington, DC. Celebrate the season with a concert featuring the United States Army Orchestra, Chorus, Chorale, and Herald Trumpets. Free tickets available, call (703) 696-3399.
National Gallery of Art
December 10, 11, 17, and 18, 2011. 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 19, 21, 24, 2011. Christmas Music - Holiday Treasures from Russia, at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall. Tickets: $15-65. Family Christmas Concert, at the Kennedy Center Terrace Theater. December 17, 2011. Tickets: $15-$45.
The Washington Chorus: A Candlelight Christmas
December 17-22, 2010. John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC. (202) 467-4600. Washington’s Christmas concert for the whole family with lots of audience participation. Tickets: $15 - $65.
A Jazz New Year’s Eve
December 31, 2011. 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 Patti Austin and a six-piece band playing the works of Duke Ellington.
See page 2 for holiday concerts in Maryland
See page 3 for holiday concerts in Virginia
