Classical music holiday picks
Highlights: The Seattle Symphony gives music fans in quest of holiday programs a lot to hear in the coming weeks, starting Nov. 29 with “Delights of the Holiday Season,” when Bulgarian-born guest conductor Rossen Milanov leads the orchestra in the Vivaldi Concerto for Two Cellos in G Minor. Also on tap: some holiday-specific selections, including Arcangelo Corelli’s “Christmas” Concerto, Vaughan Williams’ “Fantasia on Greensleeves” and selections from Tchaikovsky’s ever-popular “Nutcracker.”
Then there are the Holiday Pops concerts (Dec. 6-9), with Jeff Tyzik leading the orchestra and soloists in Christmas and Hanukkah classics. Also, the Mount Zion Massed Choir makes a joyful noise with Phyllis Birdwell conducting a holiday program (Dec. 16); and for a little do-it-yourself holiday merriment, don’t miss the Seattle Symphony Chorale presents a Holiday Sing-Along (Dec. 20).
And we could never forget to mention the Seattle Men’s Chorus’ hugely popular annual show (Dec. 1-23), this year called “Home for the Holidays” and featuring special guest Judy Collins (who appears Dec. 2 only).
Melinda Bargreen, Seattle Times music critic