The first two weekends of December are filled with concerts, from Handel’s “Messiah” and A Cappella Choir classics to jazz combos and carols with a Caribbean twist.
The Christmas Candlelight Concerts at 8 p.m. Dec. 12–13 will feature Central’s 60-voice A Cappella Choir and College Community Orchestra.
Jazz Combos Christmas Concert
8 p.m. Dec. 5
Cox-Snow Recital Hall
Central’s jazz combo ensembles will perform pop standards and holiday classics under the direction of Gabriel Espinosa. The concert is $10 (free with Central College ID), and all ticket proceeds support the ensemble’s tour to Mexico in January. Guests can buy tickets online or call Cox-Snow Music Center at 641-628-7520.
Handel’s “Messiah”
3 p.m. Dec. 6
Douwstra Auditorium
Celebrate the holidays with one of classical music’s most beloved traditions. The Central College Community Choir and Orchestra perform under the direction of Mark Babcock. The orchestra, led by concertmaster Diane Phoenix-Neal will include guest musicians from Des Moines. The concert is free and open to the public.
Flying Pans Caribbean Christmas Concert
7:30 p.m. Dec. 6
Graham Conference Center, Vermeer Banquet Hall
Enjoy your favorite Christmas classics with a tropical twist, directed by Stan Dahl. Admission costs $5 or one new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots.
Sunday Concert Series
4 p.m. Dec. 7
Douwstra Auditorium
Central’s Symphonic Wind Ensemble will perform under the direction of Mitch Lutch. The concert is free and open to the public.
Des Moines Christmas Candlelight Concert
7:30 p.m. Dec. 11
Central Presbyterian Church, Des Moines
Tickets to this Des Moines performance cost $10 for the concert, or $20 including a 6 p.m. reception at Palmer’s Deli. Guests can RSVP online or call the alumni office at 800-447-0287 to reserve tickets.
Christmas Candlelight Concerts
8 p.m. Dec. 12–13
Douwstra Auditorium
The Christmas Candlelight Concert is a Central College holiday tradition. The A Cappella Choir will perform under the direction of Mark Babcock, and College Community Orchestra will perform under Diane Phoenix-Neal. Tickets cost $10 per adult and $8 per senior citizen, and seats can be reserved by calling 641-628-7520.
Guests can also attend a pre-concert dinner at 6 p.m. Dec. 12–13 in Graham Banquet Hall. Reservations are required and cost $15 for adults, $13 for senior citizens, $8 for students with meal plans, $7.50 for children ages 4–10 and free for children under four. Tickets can be reserved online or by calling 641-628-7520.