Event Directory Search for upcoming events Picks and Previews Plan ahead to check out these not-to-be-missed events All Theatre Dance Music Film & Media Visual Art Literary Festival Promotion Free Music The Heebee-jeebees join the Calgary Creative Arts Ensemble for its upcoming holiday concert | Image: Courtesy of CCAE Nov. 23, 2016 - Jan. 1, 2017 Holiday Concerts 2016 Treat yourself and take the time for to see a show this season Amy Jo Espetveidt With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season it’s always important to take a moment out for yourself. And what better way to do so than take in a performance? Between now and the end of the year there is a plethora of concerts to choose from, and many have a holiday theme. Trust us. Taking in a show is the perfect way to get into the spirit and soothe the soul. Barra MacNeils East Coast Christmas November 23, 2016, 7:30pm Jack Singer Concert Hall, Arts Commons (205 8th Ave. SE) $52.25 – $72.25 One of the most beloved concerts on the seasonal circuit, Christmas music fans won’t want to miss this one. The Barra MacNeils always feature a great evening of traditional seasonal fare mixed with entertaining stories and new musical twists. artscommons.ca A Celtic Family Christmas November 24, 2016, 8:00pm Jack Singer Concert Hall, Arts Commons (205 8th Ave. SE) $37.75 – $62.25 Another touring Christmas show, catch Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy in an intimate and unique concert series you will never forget. artscommons.ca A Ceremony of Carols November 25 & 26, 2016 Christ Church Elbow Park (3602 8th St. SW) $20 – $25 Known for its diverse programming, Spiritus Chamber Choir continues to receive national and international recognition and acclaim. Joined by special guest Gianetta Baril on the harp, don’t miss its Christmas offering centring on Benjamin Britten’s famous work of the same title. The concert also presents music by Gjello, Jackson, and Wadsworth. brownpapertickets.com The Duke Ellington Nutcracker Suite November 26, 2016, 2:00pm Grace Presbyterian (1009 15th Ave. SW) $10 – $25 Join the Calgary Creative Arts Ensemble as they present Ellingtons’ beloved classic version of The Nutcracker and much more. With special guests including Jonathan Love, Cedric Blary, and The Heebee-jeebees, it’s bound to be fun for the whole family. eventbrite.ca A Charlie Brown Christmas November 26, 2016, 4:00pm Central United Church (131 7th Ave. SW) $15 – $30 Featuring the live original score of A Charlie Brown Christmas performed by renowned drummer Jerry Granelli—the only surviving member of the Vince Guaraldi Trio who wrote and performed the memorable soundtrack—fans won’t want to miss this one. facebook.com Don’t miss Rhythm of the Rockies’ Speaking of Christmas | Image: Courtesy of Rhythm of the Rockies Speaking of Christmas… November 26, 2016, 7:30pm McDougall United Church (8516 Athabasca St. SE) $15 – $20 Join Rhythm of the Rockies—a championship chorus based in Calgary who sing four-part a cappella harmony—for some toe-tapping, body swaying, laughter inducing, a cappella music. They’ll be joined by several chorus groups and six quartets for this special holiday show. rhythmoftherockies.org Poinsettias and Palm Trees Christmas Concert November 26, 2016, 7:30pm River Park Church (3818 14A St. SW) $15 – $20 Made up of 12 women in four-part harmony, join Blend Vocal Association for their annual Christmas concert featuring eclectic musical arrangements. brownpapertickets.com Holiday Magic November 27, 2016, 2:30pm Jack Singer Concert Hall, Arts Commons (205 8th Ave. SE) $15 – $21 Celebrate the start of the holiday season with the Calgary Civic Symphony. Indulge in the beauty of Baroque with Corelli’s Christmas Concerto and Bach’s Brandenburg concerto, as well as many more musical sweets that are sure to delight all ages. artscommons.ca Cirque Musica Holiday Spectacular December 2 & 3, 2016 Jack Singer Concert Hall, Arts Commons (205 8th Ave. SE) $25 – $85 Get ready to be amazed! This family orchestral circus spectacular returns to the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. See aerialists and gymnasts performing feats choreographed to holiday favourites. calgaryphil.com Wrong for the Holidays December 3, 2016, 7:30 – 9:30pm John Dutton Theatre, Calgary Public Library (616 Macleod Tr. SE) $15 – $25 Join Canada’s preeminent queer-feminist-ukulele-comedy band and celebrate the depths of winter and heights of the holidays. Featuring brand new original music and queer feminist twists on holiday favourites, being wrong for the holidays might just be right. facebook.com Cowtown Christmas December 3, 2016, 7:30 – 9:30pm St. Stephen’s Anglican Church (1121 14 Ave. SW) $15 – $25 Join Cowtown Opera for its interactive Christmas concert featuring the company’s opera singers and a chamber orchestra performing Christmas classics. And you’re invited to sing along with them! eventbrite.ca Christmas in Paris December 3, 2016, 8:00pm Knox United Church (506 4th St. SW) $15 – $25 Celebrating with festive music from the French capital, don’t miss the Festival Chorus perform Minuet pour Noel followed by a sing along and reception. thefestivalchorus.com Prime Time Big Band December 3, 4 & 10, 2016 Ironwood Stage & Grill (1229 9th Ave. SE) $15 – $20 Christmas jazz and big bands are the perfect fit, so join Prime Time Big Band at the Ironwood for three sensational holiday concerts over brunch. primetimebigband.com Toy Wonder December 4, 2016, 6:00pm Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium (1415 14th Ave. NW) $25 – $43 This theatrical concert features 250 singers and dancers telling the story of one special little toy as he guides the audience on a journey through eight decades of Christmas memories. youthsingers.org Noe Noe Noel – A Christmas Celebration December 4, 2016, 7:00pm St. Stephen’s Anglican Church (1121 14th Ave. SW) $20 In the mood for something a bit different? Check out Calgary Renaissance Singers and Players’ holiday concert featuring choral music from the French and Flemish renaissance period. brownpapertickets.com A Westwinds Christmas December 5, 2016, 7:30pm Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium (1415 14th Ave. NW) $15 – $20 Join Westwinds for its annual Christmas concert featuring its concert bands and choirs. Emceed by The Heebee-jeebees, make sure you come early to hear two additional jazz bands play before the concert and at intermission. westwindsmusic.org Dave Kelly Live Christmas Special December 5, 2016, 7:30pm Jack Singer Concert Hall, Arts Commons (205 8th Ave. SE) $34 – $144 Not a concert per say but something that should be on your radar, catch this holiday presentation of Dave Kelly Live. With performances by the Young Canadians and special guest Jann Arden with the Dave Pierce Orchestra, this will be one for the record books. artscommons.ca Beautiful December December 6, 2016, 7:00pm First Church of the Nazarene (65 Richard Way SW) $15 – $20 Calgary Boys’ Choir’s presents its 43rd Christmas concert, continuing a proud Calgary choral tradition. Evoking the spirit of Christmas, start your festive season with a range of magical Christmas music sung by boys aged five to 14. The concert features excerpts from Benjamin Britten’s beloved Ceremony of Carols, with guest harpist Gianetta Baril, and a variety of other Christmas favourites. brownpapertickets.com Handel’s Messiah December 9 & 10, 2016 Jack Singer Concert Hall, Arts Commons (205 8th Ave. SE) $25 – $85 Acclaimed British Maestro Nicholas McGegan returns to the Calgary Philharmonic to lead this popular annual performance of Messiah that features an outstanding cast of guest soloists and the Calgary Philharmonic Chorus. calgaryphil.com Christmas Dinner & Variety Show December 10, 2016, 5:00pm Irish Cultural Society (6452 35th Ave. NW) $50 members, $60 general Calgary Irish Cultural Society’s annual Christmas Dinner and Variety Show features a delicious traditional Turkey dinner and entertainment featuring The Irish Cultural Society Choir, Irwin School of Irish Dancing, Dave Morrissey & Band, and the ICS Saturday Morning Musicians. calgaryics.org ‘Twas in the Moon of Wintertime December 10, 2016, 7:00pm River Park Church (3818 14A St. SW) $10 – $20 The Calgary Multicultural Choir welcomes the festive season with music that celebrates winter, Christmas, and peace, with traditional and contemporary arrangements. The concert also features special guests the Yodel Club Heimattreu Calgary performing authentic Swiss yodelling. And make sure you bring along a donation for the Calgary Food Bank if you’re able. calgarymulticulturalchoir.ca Food: The Concert December 10, 2016, 7:30pm St. Stephen’s Anglican Church (1121 14th Ave. SW) $20 – $25 One Voice Chorus presents a magical night of musical nosh. This concert is all about food and is followed by a sparkling reception catered by Chef at your Shoulder. onevoicechorus.ca A Traditional Christmas December 10 & 11, 2016 Grace Presbyterian Church (1009 15th Ave. SW) $32 A beloved tradition, the beautiful Grace Presbyterian Church provides the backdrop for the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and Cantaré Children’s Chorus. Celebrate the spirit of the season with a selection of sacred and secular holiday favourites. calgaryphil.com Sing-Along Messiah December 11, 2016, 2:00pm Jack Singer Concert Hall, Arts Commons (205 8th Ave. SE) $32 Following on the heels of its annual performance of Handel’s Messiah, join in and sing-along with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Chorus and guest soloists. Bring your own score, purchase one in the lobby, or just sit back and be surrounded by glorious music as hundreds of Calgarians raise the rafters of the Jack Singer Concert Hall. calgaryphil.com Mistletoe and Mischief December 11, 2016, 2:30pm Eckhardt-Gramatté Hall, Rozsa Centre, University of Calgary (206 University Court NW) $15 – $20 Come hear the Calgary Wind Symphony perform seasonal favourites including March of the Toys and A Canadian Brass Christmas. And don’t miss the musical magic with special guests, The Heebee-jeebees, performing audience favourites Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree and The Little Drummer Boy. calgarywindsymphony.com Winter Fantasia December 11, 2016, 3:00pm Bella Concert Hall, Mount Royal University Conservatory (4825 Mount Royal Gate SW) $10 – $30 Mount Royal Conservatory’s music and speech arts performers go on a festive musical journey featuring Mount Royal Arietta, Mount Royal Arioso, Calgary Boys’ Choir and Conservatory Strings. mru.ca/enjoy Balulalow December 11, 2016, 7:00pm Scarboro United Church ( 134 Scarboro Ave. SW) $10 – $20 The Savridi Singers are ready to bring you this concert that’s sure to warm your heart and cheer your spirit. Featuring Benjamin Britten’s Ceremony of Carols and guest harpist Gianetta Baril, hear holiday standards and favourites. savridisingers.com Mountain View Winter Festival December 11 – 14, 2016 Christ Church Elbow Park (3602 8th St. SW) $15 – $20 Featuring emerging artists in chamber music workshops and concert with guest artist Jonathan Crow (violin) and Joseph Johnson (cello)—the finale concert takes place at 7:30pm on December 14. mountainviewfestival.com Support the Calgary Dream Centre at this special fundraising concert | Image: Courtesy of Parker PR Music for a Winter Evening December 13, 2016 7:30 – 10:00pm Jack Singer Concert Hall, Arts Commons (205 8th Ave. SE) $31.75 – $51.75 Catch songwriter, storyteller, and troubadour for our time, Steve Bell Trio for this unforgettable musical performance. Presented by Legacy Family of Companies and the Calgary Dream Centre, this fundraiser aims to give hope to homeless and addicted women and men of Calgary this Christmas. All proceeds go toward the Calgary Dream Centre. calgarydreamcentre.com A Rockin’ Little Christmas December 15, 2016, 8:00pm Jack Singer Concert Hall, Arts Commons (205 8th Ave. SE) $25 – $85 Rock around the Christmas tree with this take on a Jeans ‘n Classics Christmas, combining rock, pop, R&B, and traditional carols, with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra! Hear favourites Merry Christmas Baby, Santa Baby, Jingle Bell Rock, White Christmas, Huron Carol, and many more. calgaryphil.com Sounds of the Season December 17, 2016, 7:00pm Bella Concert Hall, Mount Royal University Conservatory (4825 Mount Royal Gate SW) $10 – $30 Celebrate the season with music selections presented by the talented choral and instrumental ensembles of Mount Royal University Conservatory. The evening features the Calgary Youth Orchestra, Mount Royal Artio, Mount Royal Kantorei, and special guests, The Heebee-jeebees. mru.ca/enjoy Christmas with New West December 17, 2016, 7:30pm Jack Singer Concert Hall, Arts Commons (205 8th Ave. SE) $15 – $25 New West Symphony and Chorus is ready for this fun and relaxing evening of Christmas classics and new favourites, just in time for the holidays. artscommons.ca The Jingles Present: The Most Offensive Show Ever December 17, 2016, 10:00pm – 2:00am Blind Beggar Pub (4608 Macleod Tr. SW) $10 Like your holiday with some sass? Then don’t miss this show that promises to be a holiday themed night out you won’t forget. facebook.com Hark the Glad Sound December 18, 2016, 2:00pm Jack Singer Concert Hall, Arts Commons (205 8th Ave. SE) $20 – $50 With their love of choral music and enthusiasm for creative expression, come celebrate the festive season with the Calgary Girls Choir. artscommons.ca Carol of the Belles December 18, 2016, 2:00 – 5:00pm Flames Central (219 8th Ave. SW) $15 – $20 This family-friendly holiday concert (kids under 12 get in free) is back for its third year. Featuring favourites from some of Calgary’s finest musicians, all proceeds go to the Calgary Sexual Health Centre’s Wiseguyz program. facebook.com VoiceScapes Presents: Sing Along Messiah December 18, 2016, 2:30pm Knox United Church (506 4th St. SW) $20 – $25 For the past 15 years VoiceScapes has been ringing in the season with its own Sing Along Messiah concert. The audience is invited to sing along in the choruses while talented young singers do the solos, all led by conductor Claude Lapalme. voicescapes.ca Music for a Winter Afternoon December 18, 2016, 3:00pm Scarboro United Church (134 Scarboro Ave. SW) $15 – $20 Join Blue Arch Strings as it welcomes cello soloist and interim director, Liz Tremblay. Hear Tremblay perform J.C. Bach’s Cello Concerto, ghost written by Henri Casadesus. Also on the program are Benjamin Britten’s Simple Symphony, Michel Corrette’s second Symphonie en Noël, and a new composition by Blue Arch Strings resident composer, Tim Janz. facebook.com Calgary Jazz Orchestra’s A Perfectly Frank Christmas is bound to be a swinging good time | Image: Courtesy of Calgary Jazz Orchestra A Perfectly Frank Christmas December 18, 2016, 3:00 & 7:00pm River Park Church (3818 14a St. SW) $15 – $30 A Christmas tradition, this program features an evening of holiday favourites combined with the unforgettable music of Frank Sinatra from the Calgary Jazz Orchestra. calgaryjazzorchestra.com Impasto Duo Presents: A Christmas Concert December 21, 2016, 7:00pm Southwood United Church (10690 Elbow Dr. SW) $20 – $35 Celebrate the holiday with some cozy music from Impasto Duo. This family-friendly Christmas concert includes music from The Snowman, The Nutcracker, A Charlie Brown Christmas, and many. Flutist Jiajia Li and pianist Elisabeth Desruisseaux will be joined by dancer Karen Berry for this one-of-a-kind concert. facebook.com The Jingles Present: Always in the Season December 23, 2016, 7:00pm Gravity Espresso & Wine Bar (909 10th St. SE) $10 at the door Join The Jingles on Festivus for a night of holiday music and entertainment. All ages welcome and proceeds go to the Calgary Food Bank. facebook.com HighKicksMas December 23, 2016, 9:00pm Festival Hall (1215 10th Ave. SE) $15 – $17 The HighKicks ready to celebrate the holidays and take a break from the books and teachers dirty looks. Also on this all-ages docket are Jason Famous and A-Bomb. calgaryfolkfest.com A Luminous New Year’s Eve December 31, 2016, 8:00pm Knox United Church (506 4th St. SW) $30 – $40 Celebrate New Year’s Eve with Luminous Voices and make a new Calgary tradition. With a wide range of inspiring classical and popular music, this historic venue that sparkles by candlelight. luminousvoices.ca Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert January 1, 2017, 2:30pm Jack Singer Concert Hall, Arts Commons (205 8th Ave. SE) $49 – $99 Welcome 2017 with this elegant concert and Calgary tradition. This concert features a stunning new program including Strauss waltzes and sweeping melodies from operettas performed by the Calgary Philharmonic, acclaimed European singers, ballet and ballroom dancers. calgaryphil.com Have a concert that’s not listed above? Email us at events@calgaryartsdevelopment.com or fill out this form.
