Festive sounds of the season

The joyous sounds of the holiday season abound. Whether it’s a perennial favorite, or a Big Band interpretation of a holiday tune, there’s much going on to appeal to all ages and interests. Here’s a roundup of holiday concerts.

Holiday Classics With The Bel Canto Chorale
The Bel Canto Chorale of Wantagh shares the spirit of the season at its annual holiday concert, “Joyous Winter Sounds.” The performance, on Saturday, features traditional compositions, including Vivaldi’s ‘Gloria’ and Buxtehude’s‘Magnificat’, along with seasonal favorites.
See the Chorale on Saturday, Dec. 12, at 8 p.m., at the Church of St. Jude, 3606 Lufberry Ave., Wantagh. Admission: $15, $12 seniors and students. (516) 541-0726.

“Swingin’ The Classics - Benny Goodman At 100”
Long Island’s own Swingtime Big Band presents a centennial tribute to the “King of Swing,” Benny Goodman, in a concert of seasonal tunes from the Great American Songbook and big band hits. Those swinging sounds fill Hofstra University’s John Cranford Adams Playhouse on Sunday, interpreted by the 20-piece swing band.
Hear authentic recreations of the timeless swing music of such great Big Band leaders as Count Basie, Artie Shaw, Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, Duke Ellington, Harry James, Woody Herman, Les Brown, Charlie Barnet, and Stan Kenton, among many others.
Among the band members who complete Swingtime’s traditional instrumentation of reeds, bass and rhythm are numerous accomplished soloists, including musicians who performed with Billy Eckstine, Jerry Vale, and the Tommy Dorsey and Artie Shaw Bands, as well as veterans of such popular regional big bands as Ira Alexander’s Swingtimers, Hal Hoffman Orchestra, Ben Grisafi Big Band, Al Miller Big Band, Danny Vincent Orchestra, and Bob Rotunda’s Starduster’s Big Band.
The band is led by saxophonist and artistic director Steve Shaiman. He is committed to keeping this important music alive by performing as often as possible for audiences of all ages.
Get in the swing, Sunday, Dec. 13, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $19, $17 seniors and students with ID, $10 under 12. Hofstra University’s John Cranford Adams Playhouse, South Campus, Hempstead. (516) 463-6644.

Waldorf Choral Society
The Waldorf Choral Society celebrates the season this weekend at its annual holiday concert, Sunday. The choir is joined by soprano Elizabeth Farnum and an orchestra for an afternoon of inspirational holiday music. The program features works by Bach (Christmas Cantata No. 142), Vivaldi (Beatus Vir), and Michael Haydn, as well as other holiday selections.
Hear the Choral Society, Sunday, Dec 13, at 3 p.m. Tickets are $20, $18 students and seniors, $5 under twelve. The choir performs at Cathedral of the Incarnation, 50 Cathedral Ave., Garden City. Tickets may be purchased at the door, or by calling (516) 747-4457.

Christmas With The Nassau Pops
The Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra, under direction of Maestro Louis Panacciulli, brings holiday cheer to the area, on Sunday. The Mineola Choral Society performs with the NPSO in a concert that features classical to traditional Christmas favorites; a program designed for everyone enjoy.
See the NPSO, Sunday, Dec. 13, at 3 p.m. Chaminade High School, 340 Jackson Ave., Mineola. (516) 565-0646.

Holiday Harmonies
The Long Island Flute Club is ready to get everyone in the holiday spirit with its program of seasonal classics, Sunday. The 16-piece flute ensemble features all members of the flute family, from piccolo to bass flute. Directed by Lauren Osnato, the Holiday Flute Choir performs “O Come, O Ye Faithful” and “A Christmas Overture,” “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers,” and “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,” among other festive classics.
Long Island Flute Club’s Holiday Flute Choir is a group of adults and teens from Nassau and Suffolk counties. They are professional players, teachers and students who all love the flute and enjoy sharing music. Among the members of this year’s ensemble are Rebekah Geiselman of Long Beach and Myan McManus of Malverne.
Share the holiday season with the Holiday Flute Choir, Sunday, Dec. 13, at 1:30 p.m., in Old Westbury Gardens’ Red Ballroom. The Edwardian era Westbury House is festively decorated for the season, with Santa making an appearance. The concert is free with admissions to the Gardens. Old Westbury Gardens is located at 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. (516) 333-0048 orwww.oldwestburygardens.org.

A Senior Pops Orchestra Holiday
Celebrate the season with the Senior Pops Orchestra of Long Island at its holiday concert, on Sunday. The 60-member orchestra shares the joy of music – and the holiday season – with a program of show tunes, light classics and holiday favorites. This concert marks the last appearance of conductor Joseph Manso and vocalist Rosa Santoro. 
Join the Senior Pops, Sunday, Dec. 13, at 2 p.m., at the Brookside School, in
North Merrick. (516) 795-1706 or www.seniorpops.org.