Holiday Concerts 2017
Cozy up and take the time to see a show this season
The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is upon us and it’s always important to take a moment out for yourself. And there’s no better way to set the seasonal mood than to take in a show!
Between now and the end of the year there is a plethora of concerts to choose from, and many have a holiday theme. Here’s what we’re checking out:
Christmas In Seville
November 25, 2017, 8:00pm
Knox United Church (506 4th St. SW)
$15 – $27
Join Calgary’s own Festival Chorus and hear the joyous Christmas music of colourful of Spanish cities. The evening includes lively villancicos, sacred motets from the Renaissance by Guerrero and Victoria, and popular favourites like Felix Navidad. You can even hear the Calgary premiere of Joaquin Rodrigo’s Retablo de Navidad.
artscommons.ca
A Traditional Christmas
November 30 – December 2, 2017
Grace Presbyterian Church (1009 15th Ave. SW)
$27 – $32
Celebrate the spirit of the season with a selection of sacred and secular holiday favourites performed by the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and the Calgary Girls Choir.
calgaryphil.com
Handel’s Messiah
December 1 & 2, 2017
Jack Singer Concert Hall, Arts Commons (205 8th Ave. SE)
$25 – $85
One of Calgary’s most beloved Christmas traditions, Handel’s Messiah, conducted by Calgary Philharmonic Chorus Master Timothy Shantz, has been inspiring audiences for centuries. Don’t miss this holiday favourite.
calgaryphil.com
A Symphonic Christmas
December 1 & 2, 2017
Multiple locations
$5 – $30
Escape the hustle and join the 45-member Rocky Mountain Symphony alongside the award-winning Strathmore Children’s Choir for an exciting evening of carols and fun.
rockymountainsymphony.ca
Christmas at the Opera
December 1 – 3, 2017
Mamdani Opera Centre (1315 7th St. SW)
$40
Featuring the Calgary Opera Chorus and Emerging Artists, don’t miss this this holiday tradition. Sip on holiday beverages, savour holiday treats, visit a Christmas market, and enjoy beautiful music at this coral extravaganza.
calgaryopera.com
Wrong For The Holidays, Again! An Unholy Night
December 2, 2017, 7:00pm
John Dutton Theatre, Calgary Public Library (616 Macleod Tr. SE)
$15 – $20
Celebrate the holidays with new original comedy music and queer feminist twists on holiday favourites. The Wrong Kind of Girls always put on a great show and this seasonal offering is fast becoming a can’t miss show.
facebook.com
WHS Christmas Chorus Evening Concert
December 2, 2017, 7:30pm
McDougall United (8516 Athabasca St. SE)
$20
Join the Western Hospitality Singers for this funny look at what happens at the North Pole when Santa and his elves become enamoured of social media. Along with special guests Rhythm Of The Rockies, this barbershop style concert is bound to be a delight.
eventbrite.ca
Calgary Carol Festival
December 2 – 4, 2017
Knox United Church (506 4th St. SW)
By donation for the Calgary Food Bank
Head to Knox United Church for three nights of singing from Calgary’s best choirs and includes the carol sing-along with choir and organ. Non-perishable food items or a cash donation for the Calgary Food Bank is welcomed for admission and seating is on a first-come first-served basis.
knoxunited.ab.ca
Christmas Jazz with Prime Time Big Band
December 2, 3 & 9, 2017
Ironwood Stage & Grill (1229 9th Ave. SE)
$17 – $24
A Calgary music tradition, Prime Time Big Band’s holiday jazz concerts are a delightful way to spend a day. Featuring vocalist Deanne Matley, this brunch is an institution for live music lovers and boasts the city’s most celebrated and respected jazz musicians led by Dave Jones.
primetimebigband.com
Nutcracker Sweets
December 3, 2017, 2:00pm
Eckhardt-Gramatté Hall, Rozsa Centre, University of Calgary (206 University Court NW)
$10 – $15
Consisting of musicians who share their love of music through rehearsal and performance, join the Rocky Mountain Concert Band for an afternoon of Christmas music.
rmcb.ca
Sing-Along Messiah
December 3, 2017, 2:00pm
Jack Singer Concert Hall, Arts Commons (205 8th Ave. SE)
$27 – $32
Sing along with the Calgary Philharmonic Chorus and guest soloists in this exhilarating annual holiday event. Join the biggest choir in Calgary by bringing your own score or purchasing one in the lobby. You can even perform on stage with a special opportunity that allows community members to partake in an instruction session with Chorus Master Timothy Shantz. A donation of $250 reserves your spot.
calgaryphil.com
Snow Angels
December 3, 2017, 3:00pm
Bethany Chapel (3333 Richardson Way SW)
$10 – $25
As temperatures drop and the days get shorter, join the Calgary Boys’ Choir to celebrate the festive season. Showcasing the choir’s angelic voices, Snow Angels is sure to lift your spirits.
calgaryboyschoir.com
Something Christmas
December 3 & 4, 2017
River Park Church (3818 14A St. SW)
$15
A celebration of the season in song, join Calgary’s own Adult Recreational Choir Society for one of three shows.
up2something.org
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol
December 5 & 17, 2017
Lougheed House (707 13th Ave. SW)
$20
A live reading featuring live music, this sold-out smash returns to Lougheed House. Calgary writer and storyteller Steven Méthot plays Charles Dickens and shares his famous story in the warmth and seasonally decorated splendour of the house.
eventbrite.ca
Music for a Winter Evening
December 6, 2017, 7:30pm
Jack Singer Concert Hall, Arts Commons (205 8th Ave. SE)
$27
Back for its 17th year, the Legacy Family of Companies’ Music for a Winter Evening offers a night of fantastic music in support of the Change Her Legacy campaign. Hosted annually by Darrel Janz, the evening his features award-winning singer/songwriter Steve Bell in concert alongside best selling UK poet Malcolm Guite.
artscommons.ca
A Swinging Little Christmas with Tony Desare
December 8 & 9, 2017, 8:00pm
Jack Singer Concert Hall, Arts Commons (205 8th Ave. SE)
$25 – $85
Celebrate the holiday season with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra alongside acclaimed vocalist and pianist, Tony DeSare. Enjoy songs from his album Christmas Home including I’ll Be Home For Christmas, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, The Christmas Song, and more.
calgaryphil.com
Tis the Season
December 9, 2017, 2:00pm
Lakeview United Church (3023 63rd Ave. SW)
$10
The Silver Stars Musical Revue Society is back with this brand new holiday production featuring a blend of music and dance.
brownpapertickets.com
A Cowtown Christmas
December 9, 2017, 7:30pm
Central United Church (131 7th Ave. SW)
$15 – $25
Laugh, sigh, and sing along to your favourite Christmas tunes with the Cowtown Opera Company. Hosted by Calgary’s own a cappella stars, The Heebee-jeebees, make sure you dress in your best pyjamas as the most festive onesie takes home a prize.
eventbrite.ca
Calgary Children’s Choir Concert
December 9, 2017, 7:00pm
Eckhardt-Gramatté Hall, Rozsa Centre, University of Calgary (206 University Court NW)
$18.35 – $23.80
Fostering a lifelong love of music in hundreds of young people, join the Calgary Children’s Choir for a presentation of Johann’s Gift to Christmas.
facebook.com
The Joys of December
December 9, 2017, 7:00pm
River Park Church (3818 14A St. SW)
$10 – $15
The Calgary Multicultural Choir welcomes the festive season with music that celebrates winter, Christmas, and lullabies. Featuring Midnight Taiko Kai performing authentic Japanese Taiko drumming, the concert includes traditional and contemporary arrangements.
calgarymulticulturalchoir.ca
A Spiritus Christmas
December 9, 2017, 8:00pm
Cathedral Church of the Redeemer (604 1st St. SE)
$25 – $30
Enjoy the season with this choral Christmas concert featuring Spiritus Chamber Choir and Foothills Brass. Full of familiar Christmas favourites, French carols, and a cappella choral gems, don’t miss this combination of glorious choral music with majestic brass.
spirituschamberchoir.ca
Dave Kelly Live Christmas Special
December 9, 2017, 8:00pm
Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium (1415 14th Ave. NW)
$27 – $104
Featuring Paul Brandt and the Young Canadians of the Calgary Stampede, join Dave Kelly for a night of stories, songs, and laughs. The evening is all about finding home during the holidays and is sure to be a delight.
facebook.com
Chris Mitchell Presents White Christmas
December 9, 2017, 8:00pm
Engineered Air Theatre, Arts Commons (225 8th Ave. SE)
$42.75 – $62.75
Renowned saxophonist Chris Mitchell returns to Calgary for a night of Christmas classics such as White Christmas, Jingle Bell Rock, Let It Snow, and many more.
artscommons.ca
Winter Fantasia
December 10, 2017, 2:00pm
Bella Concert Hall, Mount Royal University (4825 Mount Royal Gate SW)
$10 – $30
A winter showcase of the work of the Mount Royal University Conservatory choral ensembles, hear performances from Arietta, Aria, and Arioso alongside a special feature from MRU Speech Arts performers.
taylorcentre.ca
Icetime
December 10, 2017, 2:30pm
Jack Singer Concert Hall, Arts Commons (205 8th Ave. SE)
$20 – $26
The Calgary Civic Symphony hits the ice this holiday season with Roch Carrier narrating his classic story, The Hockey Sweater. Rounded out by music from the rink and seasonal favourites, wear your favourite hockey or Christmas sweater and join in.
artscommons.ca
Hark the Glad Sound
December 10, 2017, 3:00pm
Knox United Church (506 4th St. SW)
$30 – $50
An afternoon of song featuring the Dolce, Viva, and Brava choirs, come see these spectacular young choristers in the Calgary Girls Choir’s annual festive concert.
eventbrite.ca
A Special Celebration of Christmas
December 10, 2017, 3:00pm
High River United Church (145 Macleod Tr. SW, High River)
$10 – $35
Celebrate the spirit of the Christmas season with High River Gift of Music. Featuring the award-winning Spiritus Chamber Choir accompanied by the Foothills Brass Quintet, hear familiar Christmas favourites, French carols, and a cappella choral gems.
highrivergiftofmusic.com
Merry Movies – A Youth Singers Christmas Spectacular
December 10, 2017, 6:00pm
Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium (1415 14th Ave. NW)
$18 – $43
An original show featuring a company of over 200 singers and dancers performing songs from favourite Christmas movies, join the Youth Singers of Calgary for this seasonal spectacular.
facebook.com
Here we come a-wassailing
December 10, 2017, 7:00pm
Scarboro United Church (134 Scarboro Ave. SW)
$10 – $20
Come and listen to the Savridi Singers as they present a selection of traditional Christmas songs to help you get into the holiday spirit.
eventbrite.ca
Wrapping Up Christmas
December 10, 2017, 7:00pm
River Park Church (3818 14A St. SW)
$17 – $23
An annual Christmas tradition that is not so traditional, The Heebee-jeebees present its 24th annual Christmas show. Bring a donation to support the Calgary Food Bank and get ready for some seasonal a cappella.
universe.com
Exultate! Rejoice!
December 10, 2017, 7:30pm
St. Stephen’s Anglican Church (1121 14th Ave. SW)
$15 – $25
Featuring radiant guest soprano Katie Partridge, the Calgary Renaissance Singers & Players Instruments presents this concert of music that runs the gamut from mediaeval English Christmas carols like There is no rose of such virtue to early-Renaissance choral compositions from the Codex Speciálnik.
renaissance-singers.com
Wednesday Night Big Band Christmas Concert
December 13, 2017, 8:00pm
Dickens Pub (1000 9th Ave. SW)
$15 at the door
Join the Wednesday Night Big Band for its Christmas Concert and hear vocalists MJ de Waal and Wendy Lomnes chase away the December chill.
wnbb.ca
A Jann Arden Christmas
December 13 & 14, 2017
Jack Singer Concert Hall, Arts Commons (205 8th Ave. SE)
$45 – $85
Calgary-born multi-platinum singer/songwriter Jann Arden joins the Calgary Philharmonic for a night of joy and good cheer in this special holiday concert.
calgaryphil.com
The Grinch That Stole Hiphop
December 14, 2017
Commonwealth (731 10th Ave. SW)
$15 – $20
‘Tis the season and you can celebrate rap and R&B music and hiphop culture with 10 at 10 showcase vol. 75. The evening features Immerze, Kayla MacKenzie, Da Kid T, Stevie Ross, Real Side, The Tomorrows, illFX Apprentice, and more. They’ll even be collecting mens and women’s clothing for the Calgary Drop-in Centre.
10at10.ca
A Christmas Carol
December 14 & 15, 2017
DJD Dance Centre (111 12th Ave. SE)
$15
Through the talents of Jim Dugan, join the Calgary Men’s Chorus as the classic story comes alive with beautiful choral music. Don’t miss this creative retelling of the Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.
calgarymenschorus.org
David Archuleta’s Christmas In Calgary
December 15, 2017, 7:00pm
Jack Singer Concert Hall, Arts Commons (205 8th Ave. SE)
$59 – $79
Join platinum-selling pop star and American Idol runner-up David Archuleta for an evening of Christmas classics.
artscommons.ca
Sounds of the Season
December 16, 2017, 7:30pm
Bella Concert Hall, Mount Royal University (4825 Mount Royal Gate SW)
$10 – $30
Celebrating the festive season in song, join the Mount Royal University Conservatory ensembles, including the Calgary Youth Orchestra, Mount Royal Kantorei, and Artio choirs, as they take centre stage. And be on the lookout for an appearance by Calgary’s own comic a cappella group, The Heebee-jeebees.
taylorcentre.ca
Christmas with New West
December 16, 2017, 7:30pm
Jack Singer Concert Hall, Arts Commons (205 8th Ave. SE)
$16 – $27
New West Symphony and Chorus presents this fun and relaxing evening of Christmas classics and new favourites. Don’t miss its seventh annual Christmas concert.
artscommons.ca
In the Bleak Midwinter
December 16, 2017, 7:30pm
Knox United Church (506 4th St. SW)
$25
Cantaré Children’s Choir presents its beloved holiday concert featuring four national-award winning choirs and the audience is invited to sing along.
cantarechildrenschoir.org
The Magic of Christmas
December 16, 2017, 8:00pm
Engineered Air Theatre, Arts Commons (225 8th Ave. SE)
$30
Join multi-instrumentalist Oliver Miguel for this one-night-only concert with all proceeds going to the The Magic of Christmas—a 100% volunteer, non-denominational charity based in Calgary.
artscommons.ca
Sing Along Messiah
December 17, 2017, 2:30pm
Knox United Church (506 4th St. SW)
$20 – $25
A performance where the audience is invited to sing along in the choruses while talented young singers do the solos, don’t miss this annual tradition from VoiceScapes.
brownpapertickets.com
Frozen!
December 17, 2017, 2:30pm
Eckhardt-Gramatté Hall, Rozsa Centre, University of Calgary (206 University Court NW)
$15 – $20
Join the Calgary Wind Symphony as they jump into the holiday season by highlighting different aspects of the Disney film, Frozen. The concert includes pieces portraying Scandinavia, courtly dances, Anna’s freckles, and an alternative reason Elsa went to the cathedral.
calgarywindsymphony.com
A Perfectly Frank Christmas
December 17, 2017, 3:00 & 7:00pm
River Park Church (3818 14A St. SW)
$21 – $30
Want to start a new holiday tradition this season? Join the Calgary Jazz Orchestra for a program of hits made popular by legendary jazz crooner alongside jazzed up holiday favourites.
calgaryjazzorchestra.com
Christmas with The Willows and George Koller
December 19, 2017, 7:30pm
DJD Dance Centre (111 12th Ave. SE)
By donation to the Calgary Interfaith Food Bank
Award-winning bassist George Koller joins celebrated Canadian vocal trio, The Willows, for an evening of original tunes and holiday classics. With a signature nostalgic charm and refreshing harmonies, bundle up and enjoy this festive evening sure to get you excited or the holidays.
decidedlyjazz.com
HighKicksMas III: The HighKicksMasing
December 21, 2017, 7:00pm
Festival Hall ( 1215 10th Ave. SE)
$10 – $12
An all-ages romp, prove your cool factor to your kids by taking them to the season’s most raucous Christmas show. Featuring Danny Vacon and Matt Doherty of rock ‘n’ roll duo HighKicks, Lashes, as well as rocking youngsters, Flashback and X’s, get into the spirit with Calgary’s own Major Minor Music Project.
facebook.com
The Dudes Annual Christmas Special
December 22, 2017, 9:00pm
The Palace Theatre (219 8th Ave. SW)
$20
A holiday concert with a twist, get ready to rock as The Dudes take the stage alongside an incredible lineup of special guests. It’s a festive evening that’s worthy of a few beers and cheers.
facebook.com
A Luminous New Year’s Eve
December 31, 2017, 8:00pm
Bella Concert Hall, Mount Royal University (4825 Mount Royal Gate SW)
$30 – $40
Luminous Voices presents one of Calgary’s newest New Year’s traditions—a concert of diverse choral music alongside special treats. Featuring works by Monteverdi, Elgar, Erik Esenvalds, and more, the concert wraps at 10:30pm giving you plenty of time to check out other parties.
luminousvoices.com
Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert
January 1, 2018, 2:30pm
Jack Singer Concert Hall, Arts Commons (205 8th Ave. SE)
$49 – $99
Welcome 2018 with this elegant concert and Calgary tradition. This concert features a stunning new program including waltzes and sweeping melodies performed by the Calgary Philharmonic, acclaimed European singers, ballet, and ballroom dancers.
calgaryphil.com
Have a concert that’s not listed above? Email us at events@calgaryartsdevelopment.com or fill out this form.
