George Frideric Handel’s “Messiah” used to be heard mostly at Easter, but it has become nearly as much a staple of the holiday season in recent decades as “The Nutcracker” and “A Christmas Carol.” Denver residents will have at least four ways to enjoy this celebrated oratorio this month, as dozens of area choirs and visiting choral ensembles offer their distinctive musical takes on the yuletide.
The Colorado Symphony’s “Messiah by Candlelight”: The symphony inaugurated this performance last year, and it proved to be an immediate success. The intimate program at Montview Boulevard Church, 1980 Dahlia St., offered a rare opportunity to hear the orchestra away from Boettcher Concert Hall. It returns for its second year, with the symphony and its chorus joined by resident conductor Scott O’Neil and four solists. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13 and 14 and 5:30 p.m. Dec. 18 (sold out) ($87, 303-623-7876 or 877-292-7979)
St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral “Messiah”: Because its annual presentation typically sells out weeks in advance, St. John’s, at 1350 Washington St., has added a second performance this year, giving more people a chance to snare tickets. The two concerts will take place at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10 and 11. $21 and $24. 303-577-7717 or
Sing-along “Messiah”: Audience members who don’t want to just listen can lend their voices as part of the “Messiah Sing Along,” 7 p.m. Sunday at the Littleton Methodist Church, 5894 S. Datura St. Attendees can bring their own scores, or borrow one at the door. Also taking part in the benefit concert will be the Colorado Chamber Orchestra and four area soloists — soprano Kara Guggenmos, mezzo-soprano Marcia Ragonetti, tenor Jason Baldwin and bass Steven Taylor. $20 suggested donation. 303-794-6379 or
And, finally, there is the ever-popular alternative take on the oratorio, the Colorado Symphony’s “Too Hot to Handel.” Conductor laureate Marin Alsop returns to direct the CSO, the Colorado Symphony Chorus and guest choirs in this high-energy, jazz-gospel adaptation, where Handel meets Aretha Franklin and Quincy Jones. This year’s performances will take place at 7:30 Dec. 16 and 17 in Boettcher Concert Hall. $37-$87. 303-623-7876 or 877-292-7979 or
Here’s a look at other seasonal choral offerings:
St. Martin’s Chamber Choir and Pro Musica Colorado: 7:30 p.m. today, St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1600 Grant St., and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, First United Methodist Church, 1421 Spruce St. These area ensembles join forces for a rare performances of one of the most beloved yule works ever composed — Johann Sebastian Bach’s “The Christmas Oratorio.” $24 and $35. 720-443-0565 or promusica ; 303-298-1970 or
Littleton Chorale: 7:30 p.m. today and 3 and 7 p.m. Sunday, St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, 1401 E. Dry Creek Road, Centennial. Backed by piano, organ and brass instrumentalists, the chorale presents “Carols by Candlight,” a program including inspirational readings and poetry. $15. 303-973-9593 or littleton
Colorado Children’s Chorale: 2 p.m. Saturday and 4 p.m. Sunday, Boettcher Concert Hall. More than 400 young singers will take part in this massive program, which will include the premiere of “Calling Forth the Light,” a winter-solstice work by local composer Deborah Schmit-Lobis. $39-$54. 800-745-3000 or .
Choirs and Orchestra of Montview: 5 p.m. Sunday, Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church, 1980 Dahlia St. Minister of music John Kuzma will lead a program that includes the premiere in its entirety of his “Christmas Suite” (1996-98). Free. 303- 355-1651 or
Anonymous 4: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, University of Denver, Newman Center for the Performing Arts, 2344 E. Iliff Ave. To celebrate its 25th anniversary, this esteemed vocal quartet will perform a program including 11th-century plainchant, 15th-century Hungarian polyphony and a new work by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer David Lang. $33-$49, 303-871-7720 or
Colorado Symphony, Colorado Symphony Chorus, Colorado Children’s Choir: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9, 2:30 and 6 p.m. Dec. 10 and 11, Boettcher Concert Hall. Choral music plays a key role in “Colorado Christmas,” a family-friendly extravaganza that includes a singalong and an appearance by St. Nick. $37-$87. 303-623-7876 or 877-292-7979 or colorado
Ars Nova Singers: Classical guitarist Benjamin Cantú, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 1600 Grant St., 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10 and 16, St. John’s Episcopal Church, 1419 Pine St., Boulder and 2 p.m. Dec. 17, Bethany Lutheran Church, 4500 E. Hampden Blvd. Furthering its reputation for sophisticated, adventuresome programming, this nationally recognized chamber choir offers a holiday line-up ranging from Spanish Renaissance carols to contemporary works. $22. 303-499-3165 or arsnova
Cherry Creek Chorale: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9 and 10, Bethany Lutheran Church, 4500 E. Hampden Ave. Celtic harpists Margot Krimmel and Beth Leaman-Gadbow join this community choir for “Simple Gifts — A Musical Holiday.” $17. 303-789-5920 or cherry
Kantorei: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9, St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral, 1350 Washington St., and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11, Bethany Lutheran Church, 4500 E. Hampden Ave. Two works by composer René Clausen — his Magnificat and the newly comissioned “A Stable Lamp Is Lighted,” will highlight the chamber choir’s annual Christmas program. $20. 303-316-0356 or
Columbine Chorale: 4 p.m. Dec. 10, South Broadway Christian Church, 23 Lincoln St., and 4 p.m. Dec. 11, St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1600 Grant St. This 60-voice community ensemble will offer traditional favorites, including Geoffrey Keating’s arrangement of “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” $15. 303-322-5119 or
