CadenzaNYC's 2023 Guide to Holiday Music in NYC
Amahl and the Night Visitors
Gian Carlo Menotti’s moving one-act opera inspired by the painting The Adoration of the Magi by Hieronymus Bosch. Dec. 8, 9, & 10. NYU Steinhardt Opera production, under the baton of David Bloom, presented by Steinhardt programs in Vocal and Instrumental Performance, at the Iris Cantor Theatre. $5 - 15
Bach’s Christmas Oratorio
Orchestra of St. Luke’s and La Chapelle de Québec and soloists perform this “timeless,” and “joyful, soaring work.” Thursday, Dec. 7 @ 7pm at Carnegie Hall
Bencini’s Gesù Nato, A Christmas Oratorio
American Classical Orchestra gives “what is likely the modern premiere of … this lost Christmas oratorio manuscript by the little-known composer,” Antonio Bencini’s Gesù Nato from 1749 that “centers on the shepherds who witnessed the Nativity.” This co-production of the ACO and the Academy of Sacred Drama is performed Thursday Dec. 14 at Corpus Christi Church.
Assorted Carols and Such
Carols by Candlelight: The Advent Concert
The Fifth Avenue Chamber Choir, directed by Ryan Jackson, with Patrick Kreeger, organ and piano, and Jeanne Lehman, reader. Friday, Dec. 8 and Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023 @ 7 pm, at Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church
A Goyishe Christmas to You!
In its 14th year, New York Festival of Song presents “favorite Yuletide tunes (performed with a twist) and specialty material by Jewish composers,” Steven Blier, pianist & host. Tuesday Dec. 12 @ 7pm at Congregation Beth Simchat Torah
Christmas on Fifth Avenue
The Boys of the Saint Thomas Choir and The Juilliard School’s Music Advancement Program String Ensemble ring in the Christmas spirit for this family-friendly concert. Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023 @ 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. at Saint Thomas Church
Holiday Brass
New York Philharmonic’s family-friendly holiday tradition. Dec. 16 - 17 at David Geffen Hall.
The New York Pops: The Best Christmas of All with Norm Lewis
Friday, Dec. 22 and Saturday, Dec. 23 at Carnegie Hall
Dickens’ A Christmas Carol
A Christmas Carol: The Musical
Now in its 15th smash year, featuring updated, British pantomime-inspired scenic design, a “fresh musical adaptation” with music by Michael Sgouros and book & lyrics by Brenda Bell.
Through Dec. 30. Off-Broadway at the Players Theatre
Handel’s Judas Maccabaeus
American Symphony Orchestra is presenting Handel’s other oratorio Judas Maccabaeus, set amidst the story of Hanukkah, with the Bard Festival Chorale, Thursday, Dec. 14 @ 7pm at Riverside Church.
Handel’s Messiah
Hallelujah, this holiday warhorse keeps them flocking in:
Saint Thomas Choir of Men and Boys with New York Baroque Incorporated
Tuesday, Dec. 5 at Saint Thomas Church.
New York Philharmonic and Handel and Haydn Society Chorus
Dec. 12 - 16 at David Geffen Hall.
Oratorio Society of New York
Monday, Dec. 18 at Carnegie Hall
The Little Match Girl Passion
David Lang's “heartbreaking, Pulitzer-winning” Little Match Girl Passion performed by Ekmeles, “a peerless new music vocal group.” Dec. 8, 11, & 12 at The Crypt Sessions at The Church of the Intercession.
The Nutcracker
Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet The Nutcracker, like Messiah, can be experienced in various versions:
The classic, at New York City Ballet: George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
Another take: Ajkun Ballet Theatre at City Center
Or the modern — adults-only — version, by Company XIV in Brooklyn: Nutcracker Rouge
Radio City Christmas Spectacular
New York City classic starring the Radio City Rockettes. Through January 1.
Sing Along: White Christmas
Sing along with the classic film’s Irving Berlin standards.
