{"id":383165,"date":"2025-11-16T14:49:16","date_gmt":"2025-11-16T14:49:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/383165\/"},"modified":"2025-11-16T14:49:16","modified_gmt":"2025-11-16T14:49:16","slug":"san-diegos-classical-music-scene-embraces-the-spirit-of-the-season-san-diego-union-tribune","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/383165\/","title":{"rendered":"San Diego\u2019s classical-music scene embraces the spirit of the season\u00a0 \u2013 San Diego Union-Tribune"},"content":{"rendered":"

Pumpkin spice might perk up our tastebuds, but sonically speaking, it\u2019s variety that enhances the season. San Diego is bursting with holiday concerts of many flavors this year. Here are some likely highlights.<\/p>\n

\"MariachiMariachi Los Camperos will perform today at Jacobs Music Center in downtown San Diego. (Mariachi Los Camperos)
\nSan Diego Symphony presents Mariachi Los Camperos<\/p>\n

The Grammy Award-winning mariachi ensemble and the Ballet Folcl\u00f3rico Chiquina Palafox will honor Mexican holiday traditions in the joyous program, \u201cFiesta Navidad.\u201d The symphony will not perform at this event. 2 p.m. today, Jacobs Music Center, 750 B St., downtown. $35-$73. 619-235-0804, sandiegosymphony.org<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"MembersMembers of the Vienna Boys Choir, which will perform at San Diego Symphony\u2019s Jacobs Music Center on Friday, Nov. 21. (Lukas Beck)
\nSan Diego Symphony presents Vienna Boys Choir: \u201cChristmas in Vienna\u201d<\/p>\n

You don\u2019t necessarily think of youngsters as \u201cvenerable.\u201d But the Vienna Boys Choir certainly is, having sung beautifully around the world since 1498. The symphony will not perform at this event. 8 p.m. Friday, Jacobs Music Center, 750 B St., downtown. $39-$94. 619-235-0804, sandiegosymphony.org<\/a><\/p>\n

\"MembersMembers of the Vienna Boys Choir, which will perform at San Diego Symphony\u2019s Jacobs Music Center on Friday, Nov. 21. (Lukas Beck)
\nLa Jolla Symphony & Chorus: \u201cJoy! A Messiah Celebration\u201d<\/p>\n

This community sing-along of George Frideric Handel\u2019s holiday oratorio Messiah will be led by LJS&C\u2019s music and chorus director Arian Khaefi. Concertgoers are invited join in with these accomplished singers in the performance. 2 p.m. Nov. 29. San Dieguito United Methodist Church, 170 Calle Magdalena, Encinitas. $17-$22. 619-797-7175, ljsc.org<\/a><\/p>\n

San Diego Opera presents \u201cMaking Merry\u201d<\/p>\n

As part of San Diego Central Library\u2019s Opera Insights Series, the San Diego Opera presents a one-hour concert featuring soprano Lily Berthold, tenor Felipe Prado and pianist Bruce Stasyna for a lively mix of holiday songs. 6:30 p.m. Dec. 2. Neil Morgan Auditorium, Central Library, 330 Park Blvd., downtown. Free. 619-236-5800, sandiego.gov\/public-library\/concertseries<\/a><\/p>\n

Bach Collegium San Diego: Handel\u2019s Messiah<\/p>\n

Performing Messiah in the manner of Handel\u2019s dramatic operas, Bach Collegium\u2019s version of the famous oratorio is one of its crown jewels. 7 p.m. Dec. 6. The Baker-Baum Concert Hall, Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Faye Ave., La Jolla. $38-$73. 4 p.m. Dec. 7. First United Methodist Church, 2111 Camino del Rio South, Mission Valley. $15-$70. 619-341-1726, bachcollegiumsd.org\/messiah<\/a><\/p>\n

Awaken Church presents \u201cNight of Christmas\u201d<\/p>\n

The sixth annual Night of Christmas will feature well-known carols, a string orchestra, aerialists and fireworks. The evening includes a toy and gift drive for San Diego County foster children. 4:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Dec. 6. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way, downtown. $32-$80. awakenchurch.com\/night-of-christmas<\/a><\/p>\n

San Diego Master Chorale: 15th Annual Messiah Sing<\/p>\n

Music Director John Russell will lead a communal sing-along of selections from Handel\u2019s Messiah with Associate Music Director Martin Green at the organ. 4 p.m. Dec. 7. St. Paul\u2019s Episcopal Cathedral, 2728 Sixth Ave., Bankers Hill. $20.99-$40.99. 858-581-2203, sdmasterchorale.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Camarada: \u201cWinter\u2019s Light\u201d<\/p>\n

Eschewing the high-volume energy that can dominate the season, four of Camarada\u2019s excellent musicians will revel in the quiet wonders of winter. The concert includes the world premiere of \u201cEther\u201d by talented composer, multi-instrumentalist and singer Oliviana Marie. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11. Mingei International Museum, 1439 El Prado, Balboa Park. $35-$75. 619-231-3702, camarada.org<\/a><\/p>\n

\"LaLa Jolla Music Society will present the Canadian Brass on Dec. 11 at the Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center in La Jolla.(Lucky Tang)
\nLa Jolla Music Society presents \u201cThe Holidays with Canadian Brass\u201d<\/p>\n

This acclaimed quintet, which has released 130 albums, is well-known for its animated programs and top-notch musical quality. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11. The Baker-Baum Concert Hall, Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Faye Ave., La Jolla. $60-$80. 858-459-3728, theconrad.org<\/a><\/p>\n

San Diego Symphony: \u201cThe Holiday\u201d in Concert<\/p>\n

Hear the symphony, conducted by Thiago Tiberio, play the musical score to \u201cThe Holiday\u201d as the movie plays. The 2006 romantic film comedy stars Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law and Jack Black. It featured an original score and songs by Hans Zimmer and a variety of classic holiday and pop songs. 6 p.m. Dec. 12. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way, downtown. $95-$120. 619-235-0804, theshell.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Sacra\/Profana: \u201cImmeasurably Bright: A Holiday Concert\u201d<\/p>\n

This intrepid choir shines a musical light in the darkest month of the year by creating uplifting sounds. 7 p.m. Dec. 12. St. Mark\u2019s United Methodist Church, 3502 Clairemont Drive, Clairemont. $15-$40. 619-432-2920, sacraprofana.org<\/a><\/p>\n

North Coast Symphony: \u201cHoliday Harmonies\u201d<\/p>\n

The ensemble will salute the season with works by Mendelssohn, Gershwin and Copland, alongside pieces by Mexican-born, U.S.-based Jos\u00e9 Elizondo and Los Angeles-based Ching-Shan Chang. The North Coast Singers youth choir will perform in both concerts. 7 p.m. Dec. 12; 2 p.m. Dec. 14. San Dieguito United Methodist, 170 Calle Magdalena, Encinitas. $15-$18. northcoastsymphony.com<\/a><\/p>\n

\"ArtPowerArtPower presents Campana Sobre Campana: \u201cBells Upon Bells\u201d on Dec. 13 at UC San Diego. (ArtPower)
\nArtPower at UCSD presents Campana Sobre Campana: \u201cBells Upon Bells\u201d<\/p>\n

Subtitled \u201cChristmas in Mexico,\u201d this expansive program features Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cu\u00e9llar and Ballet Folklorico del Rio Grande, tracing Mary and Joseph\u2019s journey and that of the three kings. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13. Epstein Family Amphitheater, UC San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla. $20-$95. 858-534-1430, artpower.ucsd.edu<\/a><\/p>\n

San Diego Festival Chorus: \u201cJoy Peace Hope\u201d<\/p>\n

The first half of the concert will focus on classical music while the second will feature carols and songs. There will also be a bake sale and auction. 3 p.m. Dec. 13. Lincoln High School Performing Arts Center, 4777 Imperial Ave., Southeast San Diego. $7.18-$23.18. sandiegofestivalchorus.org<\/a><\/p>\n

\"TheThe San Diego Symphony\u2019s Meet the Brass program for children returns with a holiday edition on Dec. 13. (Gary Payne)
\nSan Diego Symphony: Meet the Brass<\/p>\n

This Symphony Kids series concert is designed for children 5 and under. A brass ensemble will bring the famous poem \u201c\u2018Twas the Night Before Christmas\u201d to life for the little ones, along with many other holiday favorites in the 30-minute concert. 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Dec. 13. Jacobs Music Center, 750 B St., downtown. $15. 619-235-0804, sandiegosymphony.org<\/a><\/p>\n

San Diego Symphony: \u201cHome Alone\u201d in Concert<\/p>\n

The San Diego Symphony, conducted by Thiago Tiberio, will accompany a screening of this entertaining 1990 film, which boasts a beloved John Williams\u2019 score that will sound even better when performed by the symphony and the San Diego Master Chorale. 6 p.m. Dec. 13. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way, downtown. $58-$125. 619-235-0804, theshell.org<\/a><\/p>\n

\"TheThe San Diego Symphony\u2019s annual Noel Noel holiday program at the festively illuminated Rady Shell returns Dec. 19-21. (Gary Payne)
\nSan Diego Symphony: \u201cNoel, Noel\u201d<\/p>\n

Conductor Christopher Dragon leads the San Diego Symphony, San Diego Master Chorale, Children\u2019s Choir and Musical Theatre Academy in this annual musical tale of Noel the Elf\u2019s music-filled journey to find Santa. Jonathan Gilmer directs. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19; 6 p.m. Dec. 20; 5 p.m. Dec. 21. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way, downtown. $37-$125. 619-235-0804, theshell.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Also noteworthy<\/p>\n

Dec. 3:<\/strong> Irish Christmas in America<\/a>, California Center for the Arts<\/p>\n

Dec. 4:<\/strong> Mariachi Sol de Mexico \u201cA Merry-achi Christmas,\u201d<\/a> Balboa Theatre<\/p>\n

Dec 13,14:<\/strong> Jingle 40<\/a>, San Diego Gay Men\u2019s Chorus, Balboa Theatre<\/p>\n

Dec. 19:<\/strong> Sounding Pinatas<\/a>, Project [Blank]\n<\/p>\n

Dec. 21:<\/strong> An Irish Christmas<\/a>, Balboa Theatre<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Pumpkin spice might perk up our tastebuds, but sonically speaking, it\u2019s variety that enhances the season. San Diego…\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":383166,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5134],"tags":[5229,1582,276,1576,8315,171,10087,1370,5424,8738,3549,3550,7264,1072,67,586,132,5230,68,2969],"class_list":{"0":"post-383165","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-san-diego","8":"tag-america","9":"tag-ca","10":"tag-california","11":"tag-classical-music","12":"tag-downtown-san-diego","13":"tag-entertainment","14":"tag-escondido","15":"tag-latest-headlines","16":"tag-music-and-concerts","17":"tag-north-county","18":"tag-san-diego","19":"tag-san-diego-county","20":"tag-sandiego","21":"tag-things-to-do","22":"tag-united-states","23":"tag-united-states-of-america","24":"tag-unitedstates","25":"tag-unitedstatesofamerica","26":"tag-us","27":"tag-usa"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@us\/115559935251074316","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/383165","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=383165"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/383165\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/383166"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=383165"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=383165"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=383165"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}