When December comes, the airy lobby of the UGA Performing Arts Center is decorated festively for the holidays. But the real joy comes from the stages. This year the PAC is presenting a range of seasonal concerts sure to please even the Scroogiest music lover.
Hugh Hodgson School of Music
Celebrate the rich music of the season with your whole family at the Hugh Hodgson School of Music Annual Holiday Concert. Immerse yourself in “Fantasia on Greensleeves” played by the UGA Symphony Orchestra, enjoy a new work in Hebrew by Hodgson Singers composer-in-residence Claudia Beroukhim, and sing along with the British Brass Band. Special guest conductor Santa Claus may even stop by for a number or two. Featured ensembles include: UGA Symphony Orchestra, Hodgson Singers, University Chorus and Glee Clubs, “The Holiday Hughs” Jazz Ensemble, and the UGA British Brass Band.
UGA Presents
UGA Presents has two performances at Hodgson Concert Hall in December. First up, on Dec. 17 at 7:30 p.m., is the virtuosic a cappella group Take 6, with a program called The Most Wonderful Time of the Year. The six-member ensemble has 10 Grammy awards for its jazz-inflected gospel. Music super-producer Quincy Jones has called them the “baddest vocal cats on the planet,” and it’s hard to disagree.
The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra returns Dec. 21 at 8 p.m. with conductor Norman Mackenzie and the ASO Chamber Chorus for the Christmas portion of Handel’s Messiah, the “Hallelujah” Chorus and Vivaldi’s Gloria. Messiah is a cherished Atlanta Symphony tradition dating back to the music directorship of the legendary Robert Shaw. Among the vocal soloists is soprano Jessica Rivera, who appeared at Hodgson Hall last season with guitarist Sharon Isbin.
Jenny Oaks Baker
American violinist Jenny Oaks Baker appears at the Fine Arts Theatre Dec. 20 at 7 p.m. with a program called Joy to the World! A Sacred Celebration. The Grammy-nominated artist will appear with her children — instrumentalists who perform as Family Four — as well as Emmy award-winning composer Kurt Bestor, New York Times best-selling author Jason F. Wright, the Athens Interfaith Choir, and dancers from the Ballet Conservatory of Atlanta and the Carpenter Academy of Irish Dance.
Athenian Performers
Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m., the Athens Choral Society presents a free concert titled Let There Be Peace on Earth at Hodgson Hall. They will be joined by the Concert Choir of the Georgia Children’s Chorus.
The Georgia Children’s Chorus takes center stage at Hodgson Hall Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. with a program called Ringing in 25 Years with GCC. Tickets are required for this concert.
Click the name of the performances above to learn more and to purchase tickets.
Photo: The King’s Singers perform in Hodgson Hall, Dec. 18, 2021. Photo: Kent Hannon.