Holidays 2011: Classical, pop and jazz concerts

During the holiday season, Los Angeles’ incredible music community is at its best, filling the area with timeless holiday music, classical events, one-night pop festivals and a few one-off celebrations you won’t see any other time of the year.

Loyola Marymount University Choruses Holiday Concert: Mary Breden directs the choruses in their annual holiday benefit concert. St. Lawrence Martyr Parish Hall, 1900 S. Prospect Ave., Redondo Beach. Dec. 2, 8 p.m. Free-will offering. (310) 338-5154. https://www.lmu.edu

Holiday Doo-Wop: A retro concert featuring the Crystals, Frankie Ford, Kenny Vance & the Planotones and the Penguins’ Cleve Duncan. Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 12700 Center Court Drive, Cerritos. Dec. 2, 8 p.m. $45-$85. (562) 467-8818. https://www.cerritoscenter.com

National Children’s Chorus: “Winter Dream” Luke McEndarfer and Pamela Blackstone conduct the chorus in Lauridsen’s “Mid-Winter Songs” and Thompson’s “Frostiana.” Featuring pianist Vivian Liu. Broad Stage, 1310 11th St., Santa Monica. Dec. 2, 7 p.m. $35-$67. (310) 434-3200. https://www.thebroadstage.com

Anonymous 4: The quartet of women vocalists specializing in early music perform holiday musical works spanning one thousand years. Culver Center of the Arts, 3434 Main St., Riverside. Dec. 2, 8 p.m. $18-$36. Also performing Dec. 3, 8 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Santa Monica, 1220 2nd St., Santa Monica. (951) 827-4331. https://www.culvercenter.ucr.edu

The Wave’s Winter Wonderland with Brian McKnight: The radio station features the R&B-pop star and Johnny Gill and El Debarge in a holiday concert. Gibson Amphitheatre at Universal CityWalk, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City. Dec. 3, 8:15 p.m. $35-$85. (818) 777-3931. https://www.livenation.com

KIIS FM’s Jingle Ball 2011 with Lady Gaga and David Guetta: Pop stars Lady Gaga, David Guetta, Flo Rida, Sean Paul, Gym Class Heroes, Taio Cruz, Big Time Rush and more perform in the radio station’s holiday celebration. Nokia Theatre L.A. Live, 777 Chick Hearn Court, Los Angeles. Dec. 3, 5 p.m. $80.25-$155.25. (800) 745-3000. https://www.nokiatheatrelalive.com

Los Angeles Master Chorale: The chorale presents the program “Holiday Wonders: Festival of Carols” featuring organist John West. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. Dec. 3 and 10, 2 p.m. $24-$89. (213) 972-7282. https://www.lamc.org.

Long Beach Symphony Orchestra: The orchestra presents its traditional family-friendly holiday celebration. Terrace Theater, 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach. Dec. 3, 6 p.m., Dec. 4, 2 p.m. $23-$79. (562) 436-3203. https://www.lbso.org

OperaWorks: “Sing-In the Holidays”: OperaWorks presents its annual multicultural holiday concert featuring secular, sacred, and popular songs from Russia, China, Ireland, South America. Christian Science Church of Studio City, 4032 Whitsett Ave., Studio City. Dec. 3, 4 p.m. Free. (818) 898-9597. https://www.operaworks.org

Cantori Domino: The Bach choir performs works by Bach, Rutter and Gabrieli by candlelight with free homemade cookies and spiced cider. St. Augustine by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, 1227 4th St., Santa Monica. Dec. 4, 4 p.m. $25. (323) 662-5007. https://www.cantoridomino.org

An Advent Festival of Lessons and Carols: The All Saints’ Choir performs seasonal music by Marlow, Ord, Handl, Phillips, Near, Scott and more in the candlelit ambience of the church. All Saints’ Church, 504 N. Camden Drive, Beverly Hills. Dec. 4, 5 p.m. Free-will offering. (310) 275-0123. https://www.allsaintsbh.org

Keb’ Mo’: “Home for the Holidays”: The bluesy singer-songwriter delivers original music and holiday songs. Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 12700 Center Court Drive, Cerritos. Dec. 7, 8 p.m. $40-$70. (562) 467-8818 https://www.cerritoscenter.com

Loyola Marymount University Choruses: Gala Christmas Concert: Mary Breden conducts the choruses in their annual Gala Christmas Concert. Sacred Heart Chapel, 1 Loyola Marymount University Drive, Los Angeles. Dec. 8 and 10, 8 p.m. $12, $15. (310) 338-7588 https://www.lmu.edu

Joey Altruda Trio: The jazz trio performs a tribute for all ages to “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” Grand Performances, 300-350 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. Dec. 9, 12 p.m. Free. (213) 687-2159. https://www.grandperformances.org

Music at Westwood “Messiah” Sing-Along: John-Kevin Hilbert conducts the orchestra in the Christmas passages from Handel’s “Messiah.” Westwood Presbyterian Church, 10822 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. Dec. 9, 8 p.m. $10. (310) 474-4535. https://www.westwoodpres.org

The Ronnie Milsap Trio Holiday Show: The country music star performs holiday works and hits of his own. Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 12700 Center Court Drive, Cerritos. Dec. 9, 8 p.m. $30-$62. (562) 467-8818 https://www.cerritoscenter.com

Los Angeles Philharmonic Free Neighborhood Concert: Courtney Lewis conducts the orchestra in Dvorák’s Carnival Overture and Symphony No. 7. Wilshire United Methodist Church, 4350 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. Dec. 10, 7 p.m. Free. (818) 845-4048. https://www.laphil.com

Boston Symphony Orchestra: Ludovic Morlot conducts the orchestra in Brahms’ Violin Concerto, Harbison’s Symphony No. 4 and Ravel’s “Daphnis and Chloe,” Suite No. 2. Featuring violinist Gil Shaham. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. Dec. 10, 8 p.m. $54. 25-$165. (323) 850-2000. https://www.laphil.com

Santa Monica Symphony: The orchestra performs works by Mathias, Ginastera and Dvorák. Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, 1855 Main St., Santa Monica. Dec. 10, 7 p.m. Free. (310) 395-6330. https://www.smsymphony.org

6th Annual Xmas Show with Aimee Mann: The singer-songwriter and rock guitarist performs with special guests Paul F. Tompkins, Michael Penn, Tim Deidecker, Andy Daly and Nellie McKay. The Wiltern, 3790 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. Dec. 10, 8 p.m. $24.50-$49.50. (213) 380-5005. https://www.livenation.com

Pasadena Master Chorale: “Home for the Holidays”: Jeffrey Bernstein conducts the chorale in a selection of holiday works. First Congregational Church in Pasadena, 464 E. Walnut St., Pasadena. Dec. 10, 7 p.m. $22, $25. (626) 208-0009. https://www.pasadenamasterchorale.org

“What the Dickens!” Annual Christmas Concert: The singing troupe performs a cappella traditional carols in period costumes for the whole family. Joy of All Who Sorrow Orthodox Church, 4145 Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City. Dec. 10, 7 p.m. Free. (310) 391-9911. https://www.joyofallwhosorrow.org.

Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra: Jeffrey Kahane conducts the orchestra in the program “Reflection,” featuring works by Ravel, Tchaikovsky, Ades and Respighi. Featuring cellist Ralph Kirshbaum. Dec. 10, 8 p.m., Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale. Dec. 11, 7 p.m., Royce Hall, 340 Royce Drive, Westwood. $24-$105. (213) 622-7001. https://www.laco.org

San Gabriel Valley Choral Company: Alexander Ruggieri conducts the singers in the program “Christmas Carols by Classical Masters” featuring holiday works by Praetorious, Bach, Beethoven, and Mendelssohn and more. First Presbyterian Church, 101 E. Foothill Blvd., Monrovia. Dec. 10, 7 p.m. $9 - $12. (626) 579-2433. https://www.choralcompany.org.

Angeles Chorale: Donald Neuen conducts the chorale in Handel’s “Messiah” with a jazzy approach. The First United Methodist Church, 500 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Dec. 10, 7 p.m. $25 ($17 students). (818) 591-1735. https://www.angeleschorale.org

22nd Annual KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas: Blink-182, Bush, Chevelle, Incubus, New Found Glory, Social Distortion, 311 and Young the Giant perform in a benefit for the children’s charity Para Los Niños. Gibson Amphitheatre at Universal CityWalk, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City. Dec. 10 and 11, 4 p.m. $79.75-$150. (818) 777-3931. https://www.livenation.com

New Valley Symphony Orchestra: The orchestra performs holiday works for Christmas and Hanukkah by Mozart, Haydn, Barber, Handel and more. Also featuring the Burbank Chorale. Liberty Hall, Forrest Lawn Memorial Park, 6300 Forest Lawn Drive, Los Angeles. Dec. 11, 2 p.m. Free. (818) 789-5466. https://www.newvalleysymphony.org

St. James Sunday Concerts: “The Twelve Days of Christmas”: The Chancel Choir and Early Music Ensemble perform music by Arbeau, Encina, Salieri, Mendelssohn, Handel and traditional holiday music and carols. Featuring trumpeter Andy Ulyate. St. James Presbyterian Church, 19414 Ventura Blvd., Tarzana. Dec. 11, 4 p.m. Free, voluntary offering. https://www.stjamespres.org

Mariachi USA Christmas Mariachi: Sol de Mexico, Mariachi Campanas de America, Michael Salgado, Nydia Rojas and others perform in a Christmas celebration of the music of Mexico. Nokia Theatre L.A. Live, 777 Chick Hearn Court, Los Angeles. Dec. 11, 6 p.m. $19.50-$75.50. (800) 745-3000. https://www.nokiatheatrelalive.com

Quadre: The Voice of Four Horns: The ensemble of French horn masters performs a program including seasonal favorites. Trinity Lutheran Church, 1340 11th St., Manhattan Beach. Dec. 11, 4 p.m. Suggested donation $15 ($5 students). (310) 316-5574. https://www.palosverdes.com

Pacific Symphony and Pacific Chorale: Christian Knapp conducts the orchestra in Handel’s “Messiah.” Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 615 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. Dec. 11, 3 p.m. $25-$125. (714) 755-5799. https://www.pacificsymphony.org

Los Angeles Master Chorale: Rejoice! A Classical Christmas: The chorale performs Poulenc’s “Four Christmas Motets,” Distler’s “The Christmas Story,” Ferko’s “A Festival of Carols” and Lauridsen’s “O Magnum Mysterium.” Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. Dec. 11, 7p.m. $19-$134. (213) 972-7282. https://www.lamc.org

Hollywood Master Chorale: The chorale performs the holiday program “Let There Be Light.” Beverly Hills Presbyterian Church, 505 N. Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills. Dec. 11, 7 p.m. $15, $20. (323) 960-4349. https://www.hollywoodmasterchorale.org

Los Angeles Master Chorale: Messiah Sing-Along: The chorale performs Handel’s “Messiah” in its 31th anniversary sing-along. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. Dec. 12, 7 p.m. $19-$89. (213) 972-7282. https://www.lamc.org

Formalist Quartet: Formalist Quartet performs the music of Harold Budd, Wadada Leo Smith and Andrew Tholl. Beyond Baroque Literary/Arts Center, 681 Venice Blvd., Venice. Dec. 12, 9 p.m. $10. (310) 822-3006. https://www.beyondbaroque.org

Mariachi los Camperos de Nati Cano: Nati Cano leads the ensemble in the program “Fiesta Navidad” featuring holiday favorites from various regions in Mexico. René and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 615 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Dec. 13, 7 p.m. $25-$95. (949) 553-2422. https://www.philharmonicsociety.org

Go Tell It on the Mountain: The Blind Boys of Alabama Christmas Show: The Grammy Award-winning legends of gospel music perform with special guests Sara and Sean Watkins of Nickel Creek notoriety. Smothers Theatre, 24255 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu. Dec. 13, 8 p.m. $40-$65. (310) 506-4522. https://www.arts.pepperdine.edu

Philharmonia Baroque and Philharmonia Chorale: The ensemble and chorale perform Handel’s holiday classic, “Messiah.” Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. Dec. 13 and 14, 8 p.m. $38-$109. (323) 850-2000. https://www.laphil.com

Mark and Brian Christmas Show: The classic-rock Christmas concert presents the Steve Miller Band, comedian Kathleen Madigan and the M&B All Star Band, featuring Sammy Hagar, Michael Anthony, Joe Satriani, Kenny Aronoff, Steve Lukather, Marc Bonilla, Kevin Cronin, Edgar Winter, Richard Page and more. Nokia Theatre L.A. Live, 777 Chick Hearn Court, Los Angeles. Dec. 15, 7 p.m. $49.55 - $125. (800) 745-3000. https://www.nokiatheatrelalive.com

A Chanticleer Christmas: The Grammy-winning “orchestra of voices” performs seasonal classics and more. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. Dec. 15, 8 p.m. $38-$97. (323) 850-2000. https://www.laphil.com

Pacific Symphony Pops: Christmas with Michael W. Smith: Richard Kaufman conducts the orchestra as the three-time Grammy Award-winning singer performs holiday works from his Christmas albums and more. René and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 615 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Dec. 15-17, 8 p.m. $30-$190. (714) 755-5799. https://www.pacificsymphony.org

Power 106’s Cali-Christmas: Featuring Drake, J.Cole, Big Sean, Audio Push, Love Rance and YG and the Chi-Town Breakers Dance Crew. Gibson Amphitheatre at Universal CityWalk, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City. Dec. 16, 7 p.m. $45-$125. (818) 777-3931. https://www.livenation.com

Cliff Wagner & the Old No. 7: Bluegrass Holiday! The bluegrass band performs a variety of works including a set of sing-along carols. Grand Annex, 434 W. 6th St., San Pedro. Dec. 16, 8 p.m. $10-$20. (310) 833-4813. https://www.grandvision.org

David Higgs, organ: The organist performs holiday favorites in the Philharmonic’s Holiday Organ Spectacular. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. Dec. 16, 8 p.m. $33.25-$85.25. (323) 850-2000. https://www.laphil.com

Golden State Pops Orchestra: Holiday Pops Spectacular Steven Allen Fox conducts the orchestra as Marya Basaraba leads the 40-voice choir in a performance of traditional favorites and holiday film scores including selections from “Miracle on 34th Street,” “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “The Nutcracker” and more. Warner Grand Theatre, 478 W. 6th St., San Pedro. Dec. 17, 8 p.m. $25-$50 ($15, $20 seniors, military, children and students). (310) 433-8774. https://www.gspo.com

Holiday Sing-Along: David Prathers hosts the holiday concert “Deck the Hall” featuring the Angeles Chorale, conducted by John Sutton. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. Dec. 17, 11 a.m., 2 p.m. $33.25-$85.25. (323) 850-2000. https://www.laphil.com

Stevie Wonder’s 16th Annual House Full of Toys Benefit Concert: The piano legend performs along with Drake, Justin Bieber and Michael McDonald. Nokia Theatre L.A. Live, 777 Chick Hearn Court, Los Angeles. Dec. 17, 7 p.m. $39.50-$149.50. (800) 745-3000. https://www.nokiatheatrelalive.com

Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles: E. Jason Armstrong leads the chorus in the program “Naughty & Nice” featuring classic and modern Christmas songs. Featuring special guest Melissa Manchester. Alex Theatre, 216 North Brand Blvd., Glendale. Dec. 17, 3 and 8 p.m., Dec. 18, 3 p.m. $15-$55. (800) MEN-SING. https://www.gmcla.org

The Manhattan Transfer: “Cool Yule” The 12-time Grammy-winning super-group performs holiday favorites. Broad Stage, 1310 11th St., Santa Monica. Sat., Dec. 17, 7 p.m., Dec. 18, 4 p.m. $65-$110. (310) 434-3200. https://www.thebroadstage.com

Los Angeles Master Chorale: Handel’s “Messiah” Grant Gershon conducts the chorale in the famous holiday oratorio featuring soprano Sunjoo Yeo, mezzo-soprano Janelle DeStefano, tenor Daniel Chaney and bass Abdiel Gonzalez. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. Dec. 18, 7 p.m. $19-$134. (213) 972-7282. https://www.lamc.org

Christmas in Italy with Cristina Fontanelli: Singer Cristina Fontanelli performs a program of Italian songs, arias and Christmas classics. Warner Grand Theatre, 478 W. 6th St., San Pedro. Dec. 18, 3 p.m. (800) 838-3006. $38-$53. https://www.grandvision.org

Aulos Ensemble: The period-instrument ensemble performs the program “Joyeux Noel: An Evening of French Baroque Music for the Season” featuring Christmas music by Couperin, Daquin, and Rameau. Doheny Mansion, Pompeian Room, 8 Chester Place, Los Angeles. Dec. 18, 5 p.m. $55, $75. (213) 477-2929. https://www.dacamera.org

The Klezmatics: The Grammy-winning klezmer band performs a Hanukkah program featuring Eastern European sounds and styles. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. Dec. 19, 8 p.m. $38-$97. (323) 850-2000. https://www.laphil.com

A Swingin’ Christmas with John Pizzarelli and Jessica Molaskey: The jazz guitarist-singer John Pizzarelli and his wife, actress-singer Jessica Molaskey, in an evening of seasonal favorites and holiday standards. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. Dec. 20, 8 p.m. $38-$97. (323) 850-2000. https://www.laphil.com

sari.heifetz@latimes.com