December concerts provide seasonal sounds

Joyful sounds are a key part of Christmas festivities, and several organizations have planned holiday-themed concerts or musicals in the coming days.

Several events are centered around music, while live performances enhance festivals and other gatherings.

Here are some of the opportunities to have sacred and seasonal songs wash over you. Check with local schools about their student concert schedules as well.

Additional upcoming events can be found on Page 14.

Thursday, Dec. 4

• Several children’s groups and professional musicians will perform in 15-minute segments during a radio show from 6-9 p.m. at Central United Methodist Church, 1425 E. Main St., Richmond. Admission is free; donations benefit Salvation Army. It will be broadcast over WKBV 1490 AM.
• Imagine Performing Arts Community Choir and Band will perform starting at 7 p.m. inside First United Methodist Church, 729 N. Central Ave., Connersville. Admission is free; donations are accepted.

Friday, Dec. 5

• Soprano Holly Love, alto Christy Croxall and tenor Sid Newbold, who also plays piano and organ, will be in the spotlight during a free concert at 7 p.m. in Zion’s Lutheran Church, 1151 S. Germantown Road, Pershing.

Saturday, Dec. 6

• Richmond Jazz Orchestra heads south to Connersville for a 3 p.m. concert at First United Methodist, 729 N. Central Ave., Connersville. Admission is free.
• Hagerstown Jr.-Sr. High School’s choir will perform at 6 p.m. in front of the post office, 10 W. Main St., for Hagerstown Hometown Christmas. Ron Curry plays there at 5:30 p.m., following a hand bell choir appearing at The Meeting Place, 11 E. Main St., from 4–5 p.m.
• Imagine Performing Arts begins a Madrigal dinner at 6 p.m. in 406 N. Central Ave., Connersville. The $40 tickets are available at ipa.ludus.com. Call 765-273-3554 to learn more.
• Northeastern High School Choir and local musician Rafe Addison will perform during Fountain City’s Hometown Holiday, which begins at 6 p.m. at the park on U.S. 27.
• Civic Hall Performing Arts Center is bringing CelloVoci, a nationally touring classical-crossover group, to Richmond. Singer/songwriter Effie Passero, who has performed on the “American Idol” TV show and with the Postmodern Jukebox ensemble, is joined by cello/vocal duo Branden & James. The show begins at 7 p.m. in 380 Hub Etchison Parkway, Richmond. In a week-long promotion, all tickets have been discounted to $25. They can be purchased in advance at civichall.com or 765-973-3350, or at the door.
• Pianist Chris Rogan is joined by a vocal ensemble at**** 7 p.m. in St. Paul Lutheran Church, 121 S. 18th St., Richmond. Admission is free.

Sunday, Dec. 7

• Richmond Jazz Orchestra performs its second concert of the weekend closer to home, starting at 3 p.m. in Reid Center, 1004 N. A St., Richmond. Admission is free.
• Lynn Kennedy and Friends gather**** at 3 p.m. in Alquina Church, 4436 E. Alquina Road, Connersville. Performers include Adam Dolfi (trumpet), Ann Frost (vocals), Kim Giesting (flute), Judy Mahuron (piano) and the Oxford Brass Quintet, plus Rusty Ammerman with illusions and narrations. Admission is free. A handicapped-accessible entrance is behind the church.

Dec. 11-14 and 18-21

• Richmond Civic Theatre takes the classic animated TV program “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and transforms it into a musical. Shows are at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays at Richmond Civic Theatre, 1003 E. Main St., Richmond. Tickets are discounted on Thursdays ($15 adults, $10 student/senior). Other shows are $20 for adults and $17 for students/seniors. Tickets can be reserved at gorct.org or 765-962-1816.

Friday, Dec. 12

• Quaker Hill Conference Center offers a Victorian dinner with live music from 6-8 p.m. at 10 Quaker Hill Drive, Richmond. The $80 tickets can be reserved at qhcc.org or by calling 765-962-5741.

Dec. 12-14

• Just a bit west of Wayne County, Guyer Opera House will produce “White Christmas-The Radio Show” at 110 W. Main St., Lewisville. Shows are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $15/adult, $12/student, and can be bought at guyeroperahouse.com. Call 765-524-7858 for more information.

Saturday, Dec. 13

• Richmond Symphony Orchestra performs Christmas carols and seasonal tunes in a family friendly format starting at 7:30 p.m. in Civic Hall, 380 Hub Etchison Parkway, Richmond. Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for college students and free for grades K-12. Make arrangements at richmondsymphony.org or 765-966-5181.

Sunday, Dec. 14

• Richmond Community Orchestra performs several well-known Christmas carols, including a singalong, as well as some lesser-heard tunes such as “The Skater’s Waltz,” Leopold Mozart’s “Classic Sleighride” and a contemporary “Deck the Halls Fantasie.” Start time is 3 p.m. in Earlham College’s Goddard Auditorium inside Carpenter Hall, 801 National Road W., Richmond. Admission is free; donations are welcome.

Tuesday, Dec. 16

• Because it’s so popular, two performances of “Christmas at Reid Center” are planned from** 4-5** and 6:30-7:30 p.m. at 1004 N. A St., Richmond. Choral and instrumental music and readings will be offered. Admission is free.

Nonprofits can send events to contact@westernwaynenews.com for publication consideration. Please send events at least two weeks in advance.