For Christians, Christmas is a deeply spiritual time of year,
but for many Americans it simply is a traditional time to exchange
gifts and enjoy themselves. A number of announcements have come my
way for events that would serve either purpose; here is a sampling
of them.
For Christians, Christmas is a deeply spiritual time of year, but for many Americans it simply is a traditional time to exchange gifts and enjoy themselves. A number of announcements have come my way for events that would serve either purpose; here is a sampling of them.
The Morgan Hill Presbyterian Church, 16970 DeWitt Ave., will present its annual Christmas Concert at 7 p.m. Friday and Sunday. The first half of the performance will feature contemporary music; the second half will be the Christmas section of Handel’s “Messiah,” concluding with the “Hallelujah Chorus.” Cost is $3 per person or $10 per family. For more information call 779-2820.
The Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, Orange County, again presents through December its unique pageant, “The Glory of Christmas,” a Southern California holiday tradition. With music recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra, performances include live animals, soaring angels and dazzling special effects. Tickets are $25 to $35 and are available by calling (714) 544-5679.
“Days of Christmas on Temple Hill” is the gift to the Bay Area from the Oakland Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4770 Lincoln Ave. Different free performances are held nightly through December. Handel’s “Messiah” will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Dec 13 as a sing-along and Dec. 14 and 15 as concert performances. For more information call (510) 531-1475.
Grace Episcopal Cathedral on San Francisco’s Nob Hill presents “A Brass and Organ Christmas” at 3 p.m. Sunday. A dozen brass instruments, tympani, percussion and a pipe organ combine to perform classical Christmas music. Admission is $15 to $35. “Christmas with the Cathedral Choir and Orchestra” will be presented December 14 through 16 and 21 through 23. This popular traditional concert has admission prices of $15 to $50. For more information call (415) 749-6300.
San Jose’s Church of St. Edward the Confessor Church, 15040 Union Ave., will host a Christmas concert by STOCTET (Studio Theater of California) at 4:30 p.m. Sunday. The cost is $8 in advance or $10 at the door. For more information call 377-0158.
St. Joseph’s Cathedral Basilica, 80 South Market in downtown San Jose, presents a series of concerts, “The Season of Hope,” from 7 to 8 p.m. Dec. 12 through 23. Groups performing include the San Jose Youth Symphony, San Jose State University Choraliers and Steinway Society of the Bay Area. Admission is free. For more information call (408) 283-8100.
“A Symphony Christmas in Candlelight” will be performed at 8 p.m. Dec. 15 at Hollister’s St. Benedict’s Church, 1200 Fairview Road. The Monterey Symphony Chorus and Chamber Ensemble will present an evening of French music and traditional holiday carols. Tickets are $10 to $20 in advance by calling (800) 698-1138.
The Gilroy Presbyterian Church, 6000 Miller Ave., will present “Christmas Music from Around the World” at the 9 and 10:30 a.m. worship services Dec. 15. The sanctuary choir will be joined by special musicians for Christmas carols from Europe, Africa and the Caribbean. For more information call 842-0271.
Campbell Congregational Church, 400 West Campbell Ave., presents “Cool Yule” Dec. 13 and 14. Featured is the Fun Times Singers, a 50-voice community group which performs regularly. Admission is $5 to $10. For more information call 354-5658.
Morgan Hill’s Advent Lutheran Church, 16870 Murphy Ave. presents its annual Christmas Cantata, “Festival of Lessons and Carols,” during the 8 and 10:45 a.m. worship services Dec. 22. The chancel choir will be joined by parish musicians to guide reflections on the gift of Christ through scripture readings and carols. For more information call 779-3551.
