Burl Ives’ “Holly Jolly Christmas” makes a fine soundtrack for tearing open gifts or taking the kids to see Saint Nick, but many of us yearn for something more participatory, spirited or profound.
We compiled this suite of holiday concerts coming up in the next couple of weeks for the discerning, seasonal souls among us:
“A Colorado Christmas Presents: A Star to Follow,” Colorado Symphony Orchestra
If you can’t make it to Boettcher Concert Hall this weekend, the daddy of all Colorado holiday concerts will air live Saturday at 6 p.m. on KCNC-TV CBS4. It features the Colorado Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, Colorado Children’s Chorale and more in a program packed with treasured holiday music. Tonight 6:30, Saturday 2:30 p.m. and 6 p.m., Sunday 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. $15-$69.50.
“Heaven’s Star,” Kantorei
This accomplished a cappella choir, which has sung at St. Peter’s Basilica at the special invitation of the Vatican, will perform works by Poulenc, Howells, Holst and others at its holiday concert. Tonight 7:30, St. Paul Lutheran Church; Sunday 7:30 p.m., Bethany Lutheran Church; $10-$15.
“‘Twas the Brass Before Christmas,” The Denver Brass
Guest vocalists and Smithsonians Handbell Choir join this spirited brass group for a slate of holiday musical faves. Saturday 7:30 p.m., Sunday 2:30 p.m. Bethany Lutheran Church. $8-$22.
“Christmas With St. Martin’s Chamber Choir”
This group celebrates the release of its second CD with a live program featuring “Ave Maria,” “When Christ Was Born” and “Ceremony of Carols.” A singalong section includes “O Come O Come Emmanuel” and others. Sunday, St. Elizabeth’s Church; Thursday Broomfield Auditorium; Dec. 21 St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral; 7:30 p.m., $5-$20.
“innerLight: Christmas With Ars Nova”
Acclaimed Boulder-based a cappella choral ensemble Ars Nova Singers will perform medieval English carols, music from Renaissance masters Parsons and Byrd, and full-voice works by Rachmaninoff, Chesnokov and others. Tonight 7:30, Sunday 2:30 p.m. St. John’s Episcopal Church, $12-$20.
Lorie Line’s “The Glory of Christmas”
Songs, carols and children participation round out this annual touring holiday extravaganza centered on vocalist Line and her Pop Chamber Orchestra. Tuesday, Lincoln Center in Fort Collins; Wednesday- Thursday, Newman Center for the Performing Arts; 7:30 p.m. $33-$56.50.
“Yule Be Swingin'”Big Band
Lannie’s Clocktower Cabaret and its reliably diverse offerings continue with the namesake’s 10-piece big band, which not only tackles Duke, Dorsey, Ellington and Armstrong but swing, Latin music and ballads. Don’t miss Lannie Garrett in her “onstage finery with sparkles, spangles and beads, just like the big band singers of yesteryear.” Dec. 21-22 8 p.m., $35.
Colorado Springs Philharmonic Orchestra
Lawrence Leighton Smith will lead this massive Christmas concert featuring Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus,” a family sing-along (“God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen,” O Come, All Ye Faithful”), the 120-voice Colorado Springs Chorale and the Colorado Springs Children’s Chorale. Dec. 22, 8 p.m.; Dec. 23, 2:30 p.m. Pikes Peak Center. $26-$45.
John Wenzel: 303-954-1642 or jwenzel@denverpost.com
