FYIDC | PERFECT PITCH
HOLIDAY BEST BETS
Enjoy the season with these top musical performances for holiday entertainment. BY PAT R I C K D. M C C OY
HANDEL’S MESSIAH Whether it is church, school or community choirs, the music of George Frideric Handel’s classic oratorio is one that remains a favorite in the ears of music lovers worldwide. Performed in the stately grandeur of Washington National Cathedral, music director Michael McCarthy leads the cathedral choirs, guest soloists and orchestra in this seasonal favorite. Hearing the famous “Hallelujah Chorus” is worth the trip alone. Dec. 5 and 6, 4 p.m., $25-$95, Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-537-6200, www.cathedral.org
“THE CHRISTMAS REVELS A MEDIEVAL CELEBRATION OF THE WINTER SOLSTICE” A beloved holiday tradition, The Washington Revels production of “The Christmas Revels” is a festive celebration of the Winter Solstice filled with music, dance and drama. Highlighting a variety of cultures, the program includes ethereal chants, seasonal carols and rollicking instrumentals from the Renaissance era. The evening is always filled with the pageantry of the season to put you in the holiday spirit. Dec. 5-13, performance times vary, $12-$60, George Washington University Lisner Auditorium, 730 21st St. NW, 301-587-3835, www.
22
Washington native Alyson Cambridge returns under the auspices of the Washington Performing Arts Society for a recital featuring the world premiere of “Three Windows” by Washington composer Jeffrey Mumford and a repeat performance of “From the Diary of Sally Hemmings” by William Bolcom. The program demonstrates the powerful nurturing of the Washington arts community as two celebrated artists return to the communities where they were raised. Jan. 20, 7 p.m., $40, Kennedy Center Terrace Theatre, 2700 F St. NW, 202-467-4600, www.kennedy-center.org
ANDREA BOCELLI Superstar tenor Andrea Bocelli returns to Washington for an evening of song at the Verizon Center. Reminiscent of the allure and stardom of the late tenor Luciano Pavarotti, Bocelli will perform a variety of seasonal selections and operatic favorites known to be crowd pleasers. Backed by a full orchestra and chorus, this is a holiday concert you won’t want to miss. Dec. 13, 8 p.m., $65-$375, The Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW, 202-628-3200, www.verizoncenter.com.
NEW YEAR’S EVE WITH CHAKA KHAN Legendary songstress and 10-time Grammy winner Chaka Khan takes the stage for the Kennedy Center’s annual New Year’s Eve Concert. The 62-year-old Khan’s soulful tone and the power of her delivery, led to a recent performance being described by a St. Petersburg, Fla. reviewer as ‘effortless.’ Ring in the New Year with an evening of music by this enchanting diva. Dec. 31, 8:30 p.m., $55-$149, Kennedy Center Concert Hall, 2700 F St. NW, 202-467-4600, www.kennedy-center.org.
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| H O L I D AY | washingtonlife.com
A LYS O N C A M B R I D G E P H OTO BY E N R I Q U E V E G A ; A L L OT H E R P H OTO S CO U RT E SY P H OTO S .
The beginning of the holiday season is always marked by the charming music of Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker Suite.” This time around, the traditional ballet is given a modern hip-hop twist that will keep the audience on the edge of their seats. Complete with a disc jockey, digital scenery and modern choreography, this new take on an old classic is set in modern day New York City and allows this timeless work to be revisited in a completely different way. Dec. 3, 7:30 p.m., $29-$54, The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, 301-581-5100, www.strathmore.org.
SOPRANO ALYSON CAMBRIDGE’S ‘IN HER VOICE’
N U TC RAC K E R P H YOTO BY U N I T E D PA L AC E O F CU LT U RA L A RTS ; C H R I ST M A S R E V E L S I L LU ST RAT I O N BY BY C H A R L E S V E S S ;
HIP HOP NUTCRACKER