Columbus is lucky to have so many top quality choices for holiday outings: Nutcracker Tchaikovsky got it right with his glittering score celebration one families Christmas with a mysterious gift under the tree. Every ballet company worth its point shoes performs The Nutcracker at Christmas, and BalletMet is no exception. The difference is BalletMet's gorgeous company of dancers, and live music provided by the Columbus Symphony. December 12-17 Ohio Theater https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJOujJGxcnA Messiah Sing-Along Bring your voice, be it soft, loud, ugly or luscious. Bring a score or use one at the hall. The community gathers to sing Handel's Messiah with ProMusica Chamber Orchestra. December 14, Southern Theater. Capital University Christmas Festival A friend dragged me to this last year. Nothing will keep me away this season. The sounds of centuries worth of holiday music splendidly performed under the direction Lynda Hasseler. Get your tickets soon. This show sells out fast. December 4-7 Mees Hall, Capital University. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJChpVqDFxw Lancaster Chorale There are two chances to enjoy Lancaster Chorale's Christmas program. November 30 at St. Mary Church, Lancaster and December 7 at the Lincoln Theater Columbus. New Albany Symphony The annual holiday program brings out the locals and plenty of guests. Luis Biava conducts. The program this yearfeatures the Center Stage Singers and cellist Paul Schubert. Special Guest Santa. December 21 McCoy Performing Arts Center, New Albany. Ohio State University School of Music 22nd Annual Music Celebration Concert A lot more than holiday music with every conceivable combination of musicians, stationed throughout Mershon Auditorium. You have never been to a concert like this. December 5, Mershon Auditorium. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9amz6P4xtg4
Christopher Purdy is Classical 101's early morning host, 7-10 a.m. weekdays. He is host and producer of Front Row Center – Classical 101’s weekly celebration of Opera and more – as well as Music in Mid-Ohio, Concerts at Ohio State, and the Columbus Symphony broadcast series. He is the regular pre-concert speaker for Columbus Symphony performances in the Ohio Theater.