Holiday Classics & Carols Concert

Celebrate the season with a delightful array of songs that evoke cherished memories from years gone by. Maybe you remember hearing these classics drifting through the house during bustling family gatherings, or playing softly in the background during holiday parties, or accompanying a quiet evening curled up by the fireplace. However you first met them, these melodies have a way of opening a time capsule—suddenly the warmth, wonder, and nostalgia of childhood are right there again.

But the season isn’t only about looking back. It’s also a chance to discover what today’s composers are creating. Alongside the beloved standards, we’re excited to share new works by contemporary living American composers—pieces that bring fresh perspectives, innovative textures, and the rich cultural variety of modern America. These works honor the traditions we treasure while inviting us to imagine the memories future generations will make.

This year’s program blends the familiar and the new, weaving a musical tapestry that connects yesterday to today. Harpist Jocelyn Obermeyer will join us on many favorites, adding shimmering color to classics such as Carol of the Drum, Deck the Halls, It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas, Carol of the Bells, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, and of course, our traditional closer, the Hallelujah Chorus.

Our contemporary selections offer their own moments of wonder. We are proud to present a newly commissioned work from Mary Ellen Loose, Celestial Symphony, featuring harp and baritone soloist. The program also includes Eric Whitacre’s luminous Glow and Morten Lauridsen’s beloved O Magnum Mysterium.

Rounding out the concert are folk and traditional gems from around the world: the gentle Spanish lullaby A la Nanita Nana; the energetic Ladino Hanukkah song Ocho Kandelikas; the Appalachian carol Star in the East; and Irish Carol by Arizona composer Linda Spevacek.

Whether you come for the nostalgia, the discovery, or simply the joy of live music, we hope this season’s celebration fills your heart with light, warmth, and a few beautiful new memories.

Our Holiday Classics & Carols Concert has two concert dates to choose from. We hope to see you and your family join us to ring in the holiday season!

Each concert begins at 3pm; doors open at 2:30

Saturday, 12/6, Pinnacle Presbyterian Church Chapel

Sunday, 12/7, Camelback Christian Church

More info on our Events page!