The Los Angeles Philharmonic’s Deck the Hall Holiday Concerts at Disney Hall are just around the corner, and the variety this year is unmatched. I may be enchanted by the ever-popular Holiday Sing-Along (Dec. 16); I may be enraptured by jazz great Dianne Reeves’ Christmas Time Is Here (Dec. 20); I may be excited about the beat-
boxing a capella sensation Naturally 7 (Dec. 22); I may be enthralled about the White Christmas Sing-Along (Dec. 23); I may be extra-elated about Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox kickin’ it up twice on New Year’s Eve (you know that date); but A Chanticleer Christmas (Dec. 19) is guaranteed to be the best choral show of the season.
Named for the “clear-singing” rooster in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, Chanticleer – based in San Francisco – is known around the world as “an orchestra of voices” for the seamless blend of its twelve male singers, who range from countertenor to bass, and its original interpretations of vocal literature from Renaissance to jazz and from gospel to venturesome new music. You’ll be filled with the spirit of the ages by the ensemble’s immaculate phrasing, stimulating dynamics and polished, sophisticated presentation. Prepare yourself for an astonishing assortment of musical styles: European choral works, American spirituals, medieval chant and traditional carols. You’ll hear gorgeous works that span centuries from composers around the world.
I have seen Chanticleer in churches, museums and concert halls at other times of the year, and they are always exquisite. A Chanticleer Christmas will be seen in 12 venues throughout the Bay Area this year, but there’s only one recital in Los Angeles. The two Christmas shows I have seen began with a processional, and I dare you not to get goosebumps as they sing plainchant while holding candles. After hearing their pure tones on works from the Renaissance, or their sumptuous chromatics on contemporary music, they have always ended with Franz Biebl’s almost overwhelmingly exquisite “Ave Maria.” Your profound experience awaits.
But a lot of experiences await you this year: enlivening, encouraging, enspiriting, exhilarating, electrifying. Take your pick, or pick them all at Disney Hall.
photos courtesy of LA Phil
DECK THE HALL HOLIDAY CONCERTS
presented by the Los Angeles Philharmonic
HOLIDAY SING-ALONG
Sat DEC 16 11:30am & 2:30pm
A CHANTICLEER CHRISTMAS
Tue DEC 19 8pm
DIANNE REEVES ‒ CHRISTMAS TIME IS HERE
Wed DEC 20 8pm
NATURALLY 7
Fri DEC 22 8pm
WHITE CHRISTMAS SING-ALONG
Sat DEC 23 8pm
NEW YEAR’S EVE WITH SCOTT BRADLEE’S POSTMODERN JUKEBOX
Sun DEC 31 7pm & 10:30pm
for tickets, call 323.850.2000 or visit LA Phil
