In a world turned upside down, it is hard to know which traditions and institutions are scheduled for the chopping block. The winter holidays seem relatively safe for now, so take some comfort and joy in celebrating the season with live concerts and musical events.
San Francisco Opera
As Thanksgiving approaches, the San Francisco Opera's fall season draws to a close with concerts which celebrate working singers you admire, but probably can't name, and talented young artists just beginning to find their own place in the world of opera.
Bizet's "Carmen" Nov 13-Dec 1 at the War Memorial Opera House is hardly a holiday tradition, but any performance of the immortal score classifies as a gala event and music lovers will want to include it in their winter plans.
'The Future Is Now: Adlers in Concert'
The annual showcase for San Francisco Opera's resident artists returns with the San Francisco Opera Orchestra, conducted by Benjamin Manis. The Adlers will perform scenes and arias from classics by Mozart, Handel, and Verdi, and an excerpt from Kevin Puts' contemporary work "The Hours." The Future is Now' is a uniquely San Francisco treat. Nov. 15 Herbst Theatre 401 Van Ness Ave.
'San Francisco Opera Chorus in Concert'
The choristers of the SFO are famous for their vocal and acting skills. Chorus Director John Keene conducts, and Associate Chorus Master Fabrizio Corona at the piano join them for an intimate afternoon of works from composers Gounod, Handel, Verdi, Johannes Brahms, Reena Esmail, and Gwyneth Walker. November 17 Dianne and Tad Taube Atrium Theater 401 Van Ness Ave, 4th floor. www.sfopera.com
San Francisco Symphony
Davies Symphony Hall (DSH) has been tricked out with Vegas-style lobby lights all year, but the holidays add more traditional greenery and ornaments.
Before Thanksgiving, the Orchestra and San Francisco Symphony Chorus present Gabriel Faure's tenderly beautiful Requiem. Find spiritual nourishment November 15-17 when conductor Kazuki Yamada makes his Orchestral Series debut.
After Turkey day, grab some antacid and head back to Davies November 29-30: to see and hear Miloš Forman's "Amadeus"- Film with Live Orchestra featuring the SF Symphony Chorus.
The yuletide-specific SFS 2024 holiday season runs December 1—21 at DSH. Special events include "A Merry-Achi Christmas" Dec. 1; Troupe Vertigo in 'Holiday Cirque' Dec. 2; vocalists Peabo Bryson, Jackie Evancho, Jennifer Holliday, BeBe Winans, and the Bay Area Super Choir in "The Colors of Christmas" all December 3-4.
Handel's "Messiah" December 6-7 is performed as part of the Orchestral Series, but the beloved classic always makes the holidays bright. Out tenor Nicholas Phan will make the annual tradition gayer and the SFS Chorus adds support.
Peaches Christ, Lady Camden, Kylie Minono, Alex Newell, Nikola Printz, Sister Roma from The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Latrice Royale, and the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus raise a jolly ruckus December 13 with "Holiday Gaiety."
There is much more to look forward to including a screening of "The Muppet Christmas Carol"- a musical charmer with the late great Michael Caine as Scrooge. Susie Benchasil Seiter conducts Dec. 12 & 14. www.sfsymphony.org
Symphony San Jose
"Christmas at the California" - The opulent California Theatre, originally built in 1927 and carefully renovated, will be grandly decorated for concerts featuring Elena Sharkova, conductor; Nathan Stark, bass-baritone; Symphony San Jose; Symphony San Jose Chorale; Cantabíle Youth Singers and New Ballet. December 7 & 8. www.symphonysanjose.org
Old First Concerts
Old First Concerts brings popular and diverse groups to its acoustically superb venue for ambitious and joyful holiday concerts.
Young Women's Chorus of San Francisco "Carols by Candlelight" Dec. 7. Renowned Gay composer Benjamin Britten's haunting 'A Ceremony of Carols' will be presented with carols and other pieces re-envisioned for chorus and harp.
Golden Bough "Christmas in a Celtic Land" Dec. 13. The modern-day minstrels bring rare Celtic songs and better known carols to vibrant life with delightful spirit.
Ragazzi Boys Chorus "Sing, Choirs of Angels!" Dec. 15. Bringing communities together during this season of celebration is their mission. Youthful optimism should bring cheer to the weary contemplating an uncertain future.
Kitka's "Wintersongs- Supra: A Seasonal Feast of Song" Dec. 22. Music gathered from across the Republic of Georgia, as well as songs from Balkan, Baltic, Mediterranean and Slavic lands summon warmth and spiritual strength in wintertime. www.oldfirstconcerts.org
Stocking Stuffer
If you were thinking singer Matteo Bocelli was only a nepo baby, superstar tenor Andrea Bocelli's second son is one of the fastest rising figures in the classical crossover field. He is appearing in San Francisco at The Palace of Fine Arts Theatre December 18.
The one-night stop in his 2024 tour of North America, "A Night with Matteo" isn't a holiday concert per se, but he has recorded a Christmas disc with his dad and sister Virginia, which will doubtless be available in the lobby. Tickets to the show would make a great gift to one of his new fans.
www.palaceoffinearts.org
www.matteobocelli.it
Chanticleer: An Orchestra of Voices
'A Chanticleer Christmas' - The chant processional which traditionally opens "A Chanticleer Christmas" is a once heard, never forgotten trademark of the remarkable a capella group. Gorgeous unison singing and strong solos mark a concert ranging from classical and sacred music to rapturous gospel singing.
December 13-23 Various Northern California venues: churches from Petaluma to Carmel will host the event. Cathedral of Christ the Light in Oakland Dec. 15; Mt. Tamalpais United Methodist Church in Mill Valley Dec. 19; Mission Santa Clara (matinee and evening performances) Dec.20; First Church Berkeley Dec. 21 and St. Ignatius in San Francisco Dec. 22 are the venues closest to the Bay. www.chanticleer.org
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