At the UGA Performing Arts Center, tiny lights blanket the lobby and Christmas trees adorn the stage. That means it’s time for the Holiday Music Series, in which international and local artists sing and play seasonal music at Hodgson Concert Hall.
Athens Choral Society
The Athens Choral Society presents its holiday program, “Christmas Ornaments,” which includes familiar carols in settings by Randol Bass and Bob Chilcott, on Dec. 5, at 7:30 p.m. The concert is free, and no tickets are required.
A Celtic Family Christmas with Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy
Two married fiddlers from Cape Breton, Canada, appear with their seven fiddling, singing and step dancing children. With a set list of familiar Christmas songs intermingled with classic Celtic tunes, MacMaster and Leahy bring the audience in the door and warmly welcome them as part of the family. The concert is Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m. and is supported by Gordhan and Jinx Patel and Malcolm and Priscilla Sumner.
The Tallis Scholars
The reigning classical a cappella group tells the Christmas story from the perspective of the shepherds. Evocative Renaissance motets and Masses express wonder and joy. The concert is Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m. and is supported by Carolyn T. Howell and The Trashy Book Club of Athens.
Before the Tallis Scholars concert, join audience members for a free pre-performance Q&A with director Peter Philips and Sarah Frook Gallo, interim associate director of choral activities in the Hugh Hodgson School of Music, in Ramsey Concert Hall from 6:15-6:45 p.m.
Georgia Children’s Chorus
The Georgia Children’s Chorus draws children between the ages of 7 and 18 from 11 counties and more than 30 public, private and home school groups. The ensemble performs its holiday program, “A Spirit of Hope,” on Dec. 12 at 7 p.m.
Handel’s Messiah with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chamber Chorus
The ASO, its resident choir and impressive young soloists perform the Christmas portion of Handel’s beloved oratorio, plus the Hallelujah Chorus. They begin with a Christmas cantata by J.S. Bach. The concert is Dec. 16 at 7:30 p.m. and is supported by Donald Schneider and Carl W. Duyck and Dennis J. Flood.
Balsam Range
Balsam Range is an award-winning traditional bluegrass band from western North Carolina. The group takes its name from the majestic Great Balsam Mountains, located at the intersection of the Blue Ridge and Smokies. They’ll play a mix of well-known hits and holiday favorites on Dec. 21 at 7:30 p.m. The concert is supported by Herb West and Myrna Adams West.
Three ways to get tickets
- Purchase tickets online at pac.uga.edu.
- Call the Performing Arts Center box office at 706-542-4400, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Visit the UGA Performing Arts Center box office, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (five-minute parking is available in the drop off circle at the Performing Arts Center for purchasing or picking up tickets.)
Single tickets begin at $25, and UGA student tickets are just $10. Parking is free.
To learn more about all UGA Performing Arts Center events, visit pac.uga.edu.