Portland Spoke – The Official Blog of Travel Portland

Here’s a chronological look at the season’s most festive musical offerings in and around Portland. See our Holiday Dance and Theater Guide, too.

“Wintersong”
Portland Symphonic Choir
Dec. 1-2
St. Mary’s Cathedral, 1716 N.W. Davis St.

One of Portland’s oldest choral institutions sings seasonal songs.

Bach for the Holidays and Wassail Party
Trinity Choir and Portland Baroque Orchestra
Dec. 1-2
Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 147 N.W. 19th Ave.

The acclaimed singers and soloists from Portland Baroque Orchestra perform two of J.S. Bach’s finest choral orchestral works, his “Cantata #140” and “Magnificat.”

“Gospel Christmas”
Oregon Symphony and Northwest Community Gospel Choir
Dec. 7-9
Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 S.W. Broadway

Charles Floyd conducts the 14th annual gospel holiday celebration.

“Ave Maria”
Cantores in Ecclesia
Sunday, Dec. 9
St. Stephen’s Catholic Church, 1112 S.E. 41st Ave.

One of the state’s finest choirs performs music from six centuries in honor of the Virgin Mary, including Josquin Desprez’s “Benedicta es, caelorum regina,” Charles Villiers Stanford’s “Magnificat” for double chorus, and “Salve Regina” by contemporary English composer Gabriel Jackson.

“Glory of Christmas”
Oregon Repertory Singers
Dec. 9, 14 and 16
First United Methodist Church, 1838 S.W. Jefferson St.

The excellent, recently expanded choir sings Portland-born composer Morten Lauridsen’s “Chansons des Roses” (written for his native city), other rose-oriented songs, carols in vocal jazz style, music from Africa, and a noel arranged by ORS accompanist Naomi LaViolette.

“Messiah”
Portland Baroque Orchestra and Cappella Romana
Dec. 14-17
First Baptist Church, 909 S.W. 11th Ave.

The one true “Messiah” among several features some of Oregon’s finest historically informed musicians performing Handel’s glorious music in the style and on the instruments the composer intended.

“The Most Wonderful Season”
Portland Gay Men’s Chorus
Dec. 14-16
Newmark Theater, 1111 S.W. Broadway

The 130-voice choir sings music from its recent holiday CD and more.

“Fiesta Navidad”
Nati Cano and Los Camperos
Saturday, Dec. 15
Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 S.W. Broadway

The 50th anniversary tour of the renowned mariachi band features dancers, elaborate production, and Mexican and American holiday songs.

“Ceremony of Carols”
Choral Arts Ensemble of Portland
Dec. 15-16
First Unitarian Church, 1011 S.W. 12th Ave.

New music director David De Lyser leads the venerable choir in Benjamin Britten’s great 20th century work for harp and chorus and other wonderful seasonal music by Francis Poulenc, Tomas Luis de Victoria and more.

“Messiah”
Portland Chamber Orchestra and Oregon Chorale
Dec. 19, 21 and 23
Various locations

The inventive small orchestra and Hillsboro-based choir reprise their annual classic.

“In Natali domini: Christmas in Bohemia”
In Mulieribus
Friday, Dec. 21
St Philip Neri Church, 2408 S.E. 16th Ave.

In an especially fascinating seasonal concert, the superb women’s choir sings rarely heard music from 15th century Prague, along with songs by the great Renaissance composers Perotin, Dufay and more.

“Magnificat and Christmas Oratorio highlights”
Bach Cantata Choir
Friday, Dec. 21
Rose City Park Presbyterian Church, 1907 N.E. 45th Ave.

Along with Giovanni Gabrieli’s “O Magnum Mysterium,” the veteran choir performs music from the first six cantatas of J.S. Bach’s “Christmas Oratorio” and his great “Magnificat in D Major.”

“Comfort and Joy”
Oregon Symphony and Pacific Youth Choir
Sunday, Dec. 23
Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 S.W. Broadway

Two Portland classical music institutions team up for the annual concert of holiday favorites.

“Concert at Christmas”
Portland Youth Philharmonic
Wednesday, Dec. 26
Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 S.W. Broadway

The nation’s oldest youth orchestra — also one of its best — and some alumni perform music for the stage by Gliere, Puccini and Saint-Saens.

“A Spotless Rose”
The Ensemble
Saturday, Dec. 29
Grace Memorial Episcopal Church, 1535 N.E. 17th & Weidler Ave.

The all-star mid-sized chorus offers what may be the most interesting concert of the season, featuring a cappella 20th century Christmas music by Benjamin Britten, Francis Poulenc, American composer Stephen Paulus and others.

New Year’s Eve with Pink Martini
Pink Martini with the Portland Youth Philharmonic
Tuesday, Dec. 31
Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 S.W. Broadway

The annual New Year’s Eve concert features two beloved Portland institutions: Thomas Lauderdale’s Latin-pop band and America’s oldest youth orchestra.

Tags: choir, choral, classical, concert, Holiday, Music, orchestra, philharmonic

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