Santa gets into the act when the Bel Canto Chorale, celebrating its 37th year, presents its holiday concert. The Chorale, composed of members from all over Long Island and directed by Herbert Bradensten, performs excerpts from Handel's Judas Maccabaeus.Added attractions to the concert this year are the kid-friendly Winter Stories and seasonal music, as well as the visit from Santa himself. Santa is asking that nonperishable food items for the local food pantries be given for admission for Santa's helpers (children under 12). See Winter Stories on Saturday, Dec. 10 at 8 p.m., at the Garden City Community Church, Whitehall Blvd. and Stewart Ave., Garden City. For information regarding tickets and the Chorale, call (516) 8266344 or email BelCantoChorale@aol.com.
The "Messiah"
It wouldn't be the holiday season without the glorious sounds of Handel's masterpiece. The holiday tradition can be enjoyed in various forms, beginning this weekend. The Rockville Centre Choral Society presents excerpts from Handel's "Messiah," at its annual holiday concert on Saturday, Dec. 10. The evening also features popular and traditional holiday music, some Broadway show tunes, and a few surprises. Tickets are $8.The concert takes place at St. James Methodist Church, Forest Ave. and St. James Place, Lynbrook. For more information, call (516) 764-8882 or www.rvcchoralsociety.org.The Long Island Choral Society performs the Advent and Christmas portions on Sunday, Dec. 11 at 4 p.m., preceded by carols. Featured soloists this year include soprano Arlene Travis, mezzo soprano Andrea Saposnik, tenor Ross Chitwood, and bass Ted Barnum. The concert is held at Cathedral of the Incarnation, 50 Cathedral Ave., Garden City. For more information, contact (516) 658-5692 or www.lics.org.A holiday tradition returns to Tilles Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, Dec. 17, 8 p.m., when Musica Sacra presents its complete unabridged version. Directed by founder Richard Westenburg, Musica Sacra's performance has been called "the Cadillac of the New York Choral Scene" by the Opera News. Tickets are $42, $54, $89 ($39, $51, $85 seniors). See it at Tilles Center's North Fork Hall, C.W. Post Campus. Rte. 25A, Brookville. Tickets are available at (516) 299-3100 or www.tillescenter.org.
Holiday Jazz
Wynton Marsalis puts a jazzy spin on the holiday, when he brings his Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra to Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, Saturday, Dec. 10 at 8 p.m. The special holiday concert features Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn's arrangement of the "Nutcracker Suite."It is presented at Tilles Center's North Fork Hall, C.W. Post Campus. Rte. 25A, Brookville. There are limited tickets still available at (516) 299-3100 or www.tillescenter.org.
For The Kids
Don't leave the kids out of the holiday concert scene. Take them to see a contemporary adaptation of the classic favorite, "Babes In Toyland" Sunday, Dec. 18, at 11 a.m. The American Family Theatre production brings to life Jack and Jill, the Toy Soldiers and all the "girl and boyland" friends who share adventures in Toyland and the Magic Forest. The updated production features songs that were introduced in Victor Herbert's 1903 original, including "The March of the Toys" and "Toyland, Toyland." See it at North Fork Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. For tickets, contact (631) 888-9000 www.northforktheatre.com.
Country Sounds
Kenny Rogers and Friends: Celebrate The Season at a night of holiday fun for the entire family. This year's show, once again at the North Fork Theatre at Westbury, features country stars Rebecca Lynn Howard and Billy Dean. Current and classic Christmas hits capture the fun and spirit of holiday time, in show that features song, dance and storytelling.Kenny Rogers and his gang entertain for two nights, Thursday and Friday, Dec. 22 and 23, at 8 p.m.; 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. Tickets are $50. Purchase tickets at (631) (631) 888-9000.or www.northforktheatre.com.
