Ringing Bells and Joyful Noises

Christmas Eve is a month away--which means that the time for holiday music has arrived again. The celebrations vary from the modest offerings of amateur and church organizations to large-scale professional chorales and pageants heralding Hanukkah, Christmas and even the solstice, all set to the tunes of Irving Berlin, Handel, Marc-Antoine Charpentier and many, many more.

SOUNDS OF CHRISTMAS PAST

L.A. Baroque Orchestra, “A Traditional Christmas,” the Water Garden, 1620 26th St., Santa Monica, Dec. 7, 8 p.m.; St. Brendan’s Church, 310 S. Van Ness Ave., Dec. 8, 2 p.m. $20-$24. (213) 466-1767. This orchestra makes an annual event of the 17th century French composer Marc-Antoine Charpentier’s “Pastorale on the Birth of Jesus Christ,” with soprano Kris Gould as the Angel; this year, add a montage from the “Messiah” and Concerto Pastorale by J.C. Pez.

Sequentia, “Lux Refulget,” Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1757 N. Lake Ave., Pasadena, Dec. 8, 3 p.m. $19-$28. (310) 440-1351. “A Shining Light” offers up chant and polyphony, with period instrumentation, from 12th century Aquitaine in--as always with programs from the Da Camera Society’s Chamber Music in Historic Sites series--architecture to match.

Aulos Ensemble, with soprano Julianne Baird, “A Baroque Christmas,” Schoenberg Hall, UCLA, Dec. 8, 4 p.m. $9-$30. (310) 825-2101. The flute, oboe, violin, cello and harpsichord ensemble, with early music specialist Baird, presents Bach arias, Scarlatti’s “Christmas Cantata,” 17th and 18th century instrumental music, carols and noels.

Chanticleer, First United Methodist Church of Pasadena, 500 E. Colorado Blvd., Dec. 11, 8 p.m. $19-$22. (800) 407-1400. The San Francisco-based men’s a cappella ensemble sings traditional carols and songs but highlights 13th, 15th and 16th centuries.

SING HALLELUJAH

Handel’s “Messiah”:

Glendale Symphony and Angeles Chorale, Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale, Dec. 7, 7:30 p.m. $12-$50. (800) 233-3123. The orchestra’s season opener.

Asia America Symphony, Korean Master Chorale and UCSB Chamber Choir, Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 12700 Center Court Drive, Dec. 8, 4 p.m. $25, $31. (310) 916-8500. The renamed Japan America Symphony’s first outing.

Paulist Boy Choristers, St. Paul the Apostle Church, 10750 Ohio Ave., Dec. 14, 7:30 p.m. $12-$35. (213) 365-3500. A purist version--uncut, period instruments--with the internationally known Paulist choir, plus the Gentleman of the Chapel Royal and soloists.

Pacific Symphony and Pacific Chorale, Orange County Performing Arts Center, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, (714) 556-ARTS, Dec. 14, 3:30 p.m. $17-$49. Guest conductor Richard Westerfield leads this performance.

Southern California Mormon Choir and the Los Angeles Mozart Orchestra, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., Dec. 17, 8 p.m. $10-$35. (213) 972-7211. Soloists are Maurita Phillips-Thornburg, Adelaide Sinclair, Jonathan Mack and Richard Milius.

“Messiah” sing-alongs:

Los Angeles Master Chorale and Sinfonia Orchestra, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., Dec. 8, 7:30 p.m. $14-$18. (213) 365-3500. Expect 3,000 compatriots if you show up for this Paul Salamunovich-conducted tradition.

Claremont Symphony Orchestra, Bridges Hall of Music, 150 E. 4th St., Claremont, Dec. 22, 3:30 p.m. Free. (909) 592-5620. An annual community event, conducted by James Fahringer and Gary Iida.

El Camino College Choral Dept., El Camino College Center for the Arts, 16007 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance, Dec. 20, 7:30 p.m. Free. (800) 832-ARTS. Conducted by Joanna Nachef, with Robert Haag at the piano.

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

Orange County Hanukkah Concert, Orange County Performing Arts Center, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, Dec. 8, 2:30 p.m. $9-$36. (714) 556-ARTS. Look for laughs and music, with Milton Berle and Sid Caesar, folk singer Debbie Friedman, 12-year-old cellist Paul Wiancko, nine children’s choirs from local temples and synagogues and an orchestra of 34.

FA LA LA LA LA

Pasadena Pops Orchestra, “Holiday Extravaganza,” Ritz-Carlton Huntington Hotel, Pasadena, Nov. 29, 7:30 p.m. $17-$42. (818) 792-POPS. The Los Angeles Children’s Chorus, Santa Claus and conductor Victor Vener deck the halls.

Glenn Yarbrough, “The Forgotten Carols,” Robert B. Moore Theatre, Orange Coast College, 2701 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa, Nov. 29, 8 p.m. $22. (714) 432-5880. The Christmas story in song, spotlighting the minor characters.

UCLA Campus Choir, Redondo Beach Church of Religious Science, 907 Knob Hill Ave., today, 2 p.m.; Westwood United Methodist Church, 10497 Wilshire Blvd., Dec. 1, 4 p.m. $5-$12. (310) 670-3465. Bach’s Cantata No. 140, “Sleepers, Wake!” Vivaldi’s Magnificat and more, including carols and sing-alongs.

South Bay Master Chorale, “A Holiday Serenade,” Faith Lutheran Church, 835 Hastings Ranch Drive, Pasadena, Dec. 1, 4 p.m.; Manhattan Beach Community Church, 303 S. Peck Ave. Dec. 7, 7:30 p.m. $15. (310) 327-6111. The program features John Rutter’s Gloria, and music by Poulenc, Nelhybel and Allaway.

Los Angeles Children’s Chorus, Pasadena Presbyterian Church, 54 N. Oakland Ave., Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 7, 3 p.m. $6-$10. (818) 793-4231. Traditional carols, choral repertory of the last four centuries and art songs.

Smith Family Christmas Concert, Torrance Cultural Art Center, 3330 Civic Center Drive, Dec. 4, 7:30 p.m. $20. (310) 781-7171. Pianist Paul Smith, one-time accompanist of Ella Fitzgerald, his kids, grandkids and his wife, singer Annette Warren, present traditional and newly written holiday songs.

“Christmas in Ireland,” Marsee Auditorium, 16007 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance, Dec. 6, 8 p.m. (800) 832-2787. Irish cabaret star Tony Kenny headlines an Emerald Isle celebration.

Pacific Chorale, “ ‘Tis the Season!” Orange County Performing Arts Center, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, Dec. 7, 8 p.m. $19-$98. (714) 556-ARTS. With the children’s chorus and the Pacific Symphony, a program of holiday pop, standards and sacred music.

Los Robles Master Chorale, Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Dec. 7, 8 p.m. $10, $20. (805) 583-8700. A sing-along “Hallelujah” Chorus, plus John Rutter’s Gloria and more.

Santa Monica College Chorale, First United Methodist Church, 11th Street at Washington Avenue, Santa Monica, Dec. 7 and 8, 7:30 p.m. $5-$10. (310) 452-9323. James Smith leads this annual concert.

Moorpark Community Orchestra, Moorpark College Performing Arts Center, 7075 Campus Road, Dec. 8, 8 p.m. $5. (805) 378-1485. This holiday concert includes Schubert’s Symphony No. 5 in B flat, Vivaldi and a Christmas medley.

Cambridge Singers, “A Smashing Christmas,” Pasadena Presbyterian Church, 555 E. Colorado Blvd., Dec. 8, 3 p.m. $11.75-$15.75. (818) 584-0088. Holiday music with an emphasis on percussion--”anything that can be beaten or struck, pounded or plucked.”

Mansfield Chamber Singers, Westwood Hills Christian Church, 10808 LeConte Blvd., Dec. 8, 3:30 p.m.; St. Augustine by the Sea Episcopal Church, 1227 4th St., Santa Monica, Dec. 15, 3:30 p.m. Donations requested. (310) 279-1925. With the Amadeus Handbell Ensemble, the singers present chant, motets, noels, spirituals and Hebrew songs.

Village Voices Chorale, “O Yule Full of Gladness,” Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Dec. 13, 8 p.m.; Dec. 14, 2:30 p.m. $12 (805) 449-2787. Christmas standards and carols.

“The Christmas Show with Jubilant Sykes,” Orange County Performing Arts Center, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, Dec. 13 and 14, 8 p.m. $22-$58. (714) 556-ARTS. The baritone and compatriots--including Coast Ballet Theater--offer an all-around holiday show.

Pacific Symphony Orchestra, “Symphonic Cycling/Holiday Handel Bars,” Orange County Performing Arts Center, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, Dec. 14, 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. $9-$11. (714) 556-ARTS. For kids, “Messiah” excerpts, Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” plus standards.

Recorder Players West, Westwood United Methodist Church, 10497 Wilshire Blvd., Dec. 14, 2 p.m. Free. (310) 391-7601. Medieval through Romantic Christmas music, with handbells, keyboards, drums and gambas.

Los Angeles Master Chorale, “Home for the Holidays,” Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., Dec. 15, 7:30 p.m. $7-$50. (213) 365-3500. Paul Salamunovich conducts Rutter’s Gloria plus seasonal favorites from “Lo! How a Rose e’er Blooming” to Hanukkah songs.

William Hall Master Chorale, “Christmas for the Family,” Orange County Performing Arts Center, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, Dec. 15, 7:30 p.m. $15-$45. (714) 556-6262. With the All-American Boys Chorus and a brass ensemble, the chorale offers the “Hallelujah” Chorus, a new setting of “O Magnum Mysterium” and caroling.

Orange Coast College Choir, Fine Arts Recital Hall, 2701 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa, Dec. 15, 7:30 p.m. $5. (714) 432-5880. Songs of the Christmas season.

Peabo Bryson, Roberta Flack, Melissa Manchester, Aaron Neville, “The Colors of Christmas,” Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 12700 Center Court Drive, Dec. 20-22, 8 p.m. Sold out. (800) 300-4345. Fourth consecutive extra vaganza of contemporary music and carols.

South Coast Chorale, “The Best Gift of All,” Carpenter Performing Arts Center, Cal State Long Beach, Dec. 22, 4 p.m. $15-$20. (310) 985-7000. Woodwind quintet and harp accompany the holiday standards and carols manque--”Silent Night” etc., as they might sound if Sondheim or Welk were their creator.

SOUTHLAND SIGNATURES

“The Glory of Christmas,” Crystal Cathedral, 1241 Lewis St., Garden Grove, Nov. 29-Dec. 29 except Dec. 24 and 25, 4:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m. $15-$30. (714) 54-GLORY. The Christmas pageant to end all Christmas pageants. In its 16th season with flying angels, live beasts and a cast of 200.

The 23rd Annual Candlelight Concert, Orange County Performing Arts Center, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesta, Dec. 6, 6:30 p.m. Sold out. (714) 556-ARTS. An OCPAC dinner concert benefit with seasonal music from jazz guitarist-vocalist John Pizzarelli and the Pacific Chorale.

Mariachi Los Camperos di Nati Cano, “Fiesta Navidad,” California Center for the Arts, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido, Dec. 11, 7 p.m. $16-$40. (800) 988-4253; Orange County Performing Arts Center, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, Dec. 21, 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. $10-$38. (714) 556-ARTS; Veterans Wadsworth Theater, Brentwood, Dec. 28, 2 and 8 p.m. $9-$28. (310) 825-2101. This locally created but now nationally touring production turns the Mexican tradition of La Posada--the re-creation of Mary and Joseph’s trek to Bethlehem--into a mariachi extravaganza.

37th Annual Los Angeles County Holiday Celebration, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., Dec 24, 3-9 p.m. Free. (213) 974-1396. Thirty-two performing arts organizations offer jazz and carols, klezmer and mariachi, folk dance and ballet in a six-hour open house, also broadcast live on KCET-TV.

FOLLOWING YONDER STAR

“Amahl and the Night Visitors”:

David Aiken, director, Smothers Theatre, Pepperdine University, Malibu, Dec. 5, 8 p.m. $14, $25. (310) 456-4522; Norris Theatre, 27570 Crossfield Drive, Rolling Hills Estates, Dec. 6, 4:30 and 8 p.m. $20 matinee, $25 evening. (310) 544-0403. Aiken appeared in the original 1951 telecast of Menotti’s opera.

Main Street Players, First Presbyterian Church, 600 N. Main St., Santa Ana, Dec. 6 and 7, 8 p.m., Dec. 8, 2 p.m. $5-$10. (714) 542-7253.

FROM THE CHOIR STALLS

Lloyd Holzgraf, Advent organ concert, First Congregational Church of Los Angeles, 540 S. Commonwealth Ave., Dec. 8, 4 p.m. $6-$11. (213) 385-1345. Noels, Saint-Saens, Charpentier and old English carols.

Westwood Chancel Choir, Youth Choir and Tintinnabulators, Westwood United Methodist Church, 10497 Wilshire Blvd., Dec. 8, 4 p.m. Suggested donation: $10-$15. Carols to sing and listen to.

“The Messiah,” Westchester Lutheran Church Chorus & Orchestra, Westchester Lutheran Church, 7831 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Dec. 8, 4 p.m. $5-$8. (310) 670-5422.

St. Augustine’s and St. Matthew’s Combined Choirs, Annual family concert and sing-along, St. Matthew’s Church, 1031 Bienveneda Ave., Pacific Palisades, Dec. 8, 3 p.m. $10-$12. (310) 573-7787, ext. 2. Holiday music for multiple choirs and brass.

Choir of St. Paul’s, Advent celebration concert, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 31290 Palos Verdes Drive West, Rancho Palos Verdes, Dec. 15, 5 p.m. Donation. (310) 377-6806. Mozart’s Te Deum, K. 141 highlights the program.

SOMETHING DIFFERENT

Claremont Chorale, “As Days Grow Shorter,” Bridges Hall of Music, 150 E. 4th St., Claremont, Nov. 30, 8 p.m., $8-$12.50. (909) 621-9782. With pieces by Britten, Elgar, Copland and others, and a spotlight on “Mid-Winter Songs”--Robert Graves’ poems set by Morten Lauridsen--this community chorale sings in the solstice.

“The Winter Solstice Concert,” Turtle Island String Quartet and other Windham Hill stars, Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 12700 Center Court Drive, Cerritos, Dec. 15, 7 p.m. $20-$30. (800) 300-4345. With pianist Philip Aaberg, and guitar/vocal duo Tuck and Patti, the Turtle Islanders offer holiday music and their greatest hits.*