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Seasonal Notes : A musical potpourri offers something for everyone at the holidays.

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SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

‘Tis the season for musical events, seasonal and otherwise, and this time, the fare goes beyond the expected. Yes, perennial chestnuts like Handel’s “Messiah” and “The Nutcracker” are touching down in Ventura County in December, but so are less predictable musical programs.

In the off-the-beaten-path cultural category, the entourage known as the Festival of Four brings its classical, folk and flamenco program to the Church of Religious Science tonight.

As the group’s title suggests, it is a mobile, miniature festival of genres and sounds.

The noted flutist Vivian Guzman will be joined by classical guitarists Richard Patterson and Marc Teicholz, and flamenco guitarist Guillermo Rios.

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Together and apart, the four musicians perform music from deep in the classical tradition, while also dipping into Andean folk music and flamenco.

The season beckons, as well: Also on the group’s musical menu are snippets of “The Nutcracker,” from which there is no escape. But who’s complaining?

* Festival of Four, at 8 tonight at the Church of Religious Science, 101 S. Laurel St. in Ventura. Tickets are $14 in advance, $16 at the door ($15 for dinner, at Cafi Bariloche, 100 S. Fir St. in Ventura, at 6:30 p.m.); 646-8907.

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Composer John Biggs has hosted Christmas musical celebrations in his home in the past, and he goes public this year.

Joined by a modest group of musical friends, he will put on an official concert under the title “Six Centuries of French Music,” in the resonant foyer of the Ventura City Hall on Saturday night.

The concert will be followed by refreshments and caroling, that collective release.

* “Six Centuries of French Music,” presented by John Biggs and Carol Rosenak, 8 p.m. SaturdayDec. 5 at Ventura City Hall, 501 Poli St.

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Choral Christmas music of a different color, and density, will land in the Moorpark College Performing Arts Center tonight and Sunday afternoon, courtesy of the Los Robles Master Chorale’s annual Christmas Celebration.

Centering the program is Bach’s grand “Magnificat,” with a garnish of songs by Villa-Lobos, de rigueur Christmas carols, and music by the dynamic hand-bell duo of Donna Riesen and Michael Larsen.

* Los Robles Master Chorale, “Christmas Celebration,” 8 tonight and 4 p.m. Sunday at the Moorpark College Performing Arts Center, Collins Drive. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, and $10 for students and children; 522-8163.

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Also in competition for attention tonight is an all-purpose “Holiday Music Concert” at Ventura College, featuring the Ventura College Choir, Chamber Ensemble and Community Orchestra.

Elizabeth Helms leads the choir, Robert Lawson leads the Chamber Ensemble, and Burns Taft heads the orchestra in what should be a pleasing and seasonally oriented musical potpourri.

* Ventura College Choir, Chamber Ensemble and Community Orchestra, “Holiday Music Concert,” 8 tonight at Ventura College Theater. Tickets are $5 for general admission, and $3 for students and staff; 654-6459.

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