Plan Ahead

* ‘Messiah’--The New West Symphony will present its third annual staging of Handel’s “Messiah” Dec. 8 at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza’s Kavli Theatre, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. The orchestra will be joined by the Los Robles Chamber Singers and the Ventura Master Chorale’s Mastersingers. Show time: 8 p.m. $8-$25. 497-5800.

* Chorale--The Village Voices Chorale will perform its “Holiday Tapestry” program Dec. 8 and 9 at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza’s Scherr Forum, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. Program: Vivaldi’s “Gloria,” plus traditional Christmas carols and Hanukkah songs. Concerts: Dec. 8 at 8 p.m.; Dec. 9 at 2:30 p.m. $15. 379-5913.

* Orchestra--The Ventura College Community Orchestra will present its “Symphonic Sparkle” concert Dec. 9 at 8 p.m. at the campus theater. The program will feature two soloists: violinist Leslie Vielbig will perform a concerto by Vivaldi; and Judy Valencerina will perform on marimba in Paul Creston’s Concertino for Marimba and Orchestra. The program will also include Schubert’s Fifth Symphony and works by several American composers, including Duke Ellington. The theater is on Loma Vista Road between Ashwood Avenue and Day Road. $5 general, $3 seniors and students. 654-6397 or 654-6400.

* Benefit--The Camarillo Community Theater will present its first “Holiday Gala” benefit Dec. 9 at 8 p.m. at the Camarillo Airport Theater, 330 Skyway Drive. The show is expected to be the first of a series of annual fund-raisers for the theater company. Actors will perform theatrical sketches. Also on tap: a performance of Truman Capote’s “A Christmas Memory,” adapted by David Ralphe and performed by Aurick Canete; and a silent auction. $15 general, $10 ages 11 and younger. Reception included. 388-5716.