Vocal focus from CCMN*
Southern CA Vocal Events
Lauri D. Goldenhersh’s Weekly Highlights
The holidays are upon us — let the caroling, Advent lessons and ‘Messiahs’ commence.
Amid the considerable hubbub, however, I’d like to direct our focus to Orange County, where there are three events this weekend that mark a festive difference:
SOUTH COAST SYMPHONY, billing themselves as the “Unstuffy Symphony for the OC”, has gathered a trio of opera singers to celebrate the stage with ‘A Night at the Opera’ on Friday evening. Soprano DEVON GUTHRIE, bass-bari NICHOLAS BORAGNO and tenor FREDERICK BALLENTINE join the orchestra at Soka, for an evening of operatic faves. Details and ticket info
If you’re looking for something closer to musical theater, MEN ALIVE are mashing up two of the most cherished stories of the season, with ‘It’s a Wonderful Christmas Carol’ and three performances at the Irvine Barclay Theatre. Sounds like good fun with a twist. Click here
On Saturday night, the ORANGE COUNTY WOMEN’S CHORUS sings a Marian program, “O Mother, Where Art Thou?” that follows the Virgin “around the world and through the ages”, with treasured early European works, of course, but also songs from Japan, France and more, plus Conrad Susa’s very seasonal “Carols and Lullabies: Christmas in the Southwest”, which will feature instrumentalists BRIAN NOEL (harp), DAVID MARGOLIS (guitar) and JOHN MAGNUSSEN (marimba). Learn more
There are plenty more where those came from, as the calendar is fully packed with events all over Southern California. Pick something different this year, as any detail can make a big difference in a holiday experience, with and beyond the traditions and the usual fare.
Happy exploring, and as always, thank you for supporting live singing!
Continuing
Thru 12/13 — Norma, LA Opera
