Boston, MA (December 6, 2022) — GBH is helping Massachusetts music fans get into the festive spirit with A Holiday Celebration, a live concert showcasing seasonal selections with a cast of renowned classical, jazz and Celtic musicians in GBH’s acclaimed Fraser Performance Studio on Thursday, December 15. The program will feature the Boston Children’s Chorus; tenor Lawrence Brownlee; Renaissance Men; pianist Jacqueline Schwab; and The Charles Overton Group. The event will be hosted by CRB afternoon host Greg Ferrisi. In addition to the in-person experience, the performance can be streamed virtually for free with an RSVP.
"This GBH Music holiday special brings together in one show the three genres that are the foundation of GBH Music: classical, jazz, and Celtic/folk," said Anthony Rudel, general manager of GBH Music. "Bringing great artists together in one space, for one reason, helps break down barriers and brings people closer together. What could be more fitting for this time of year?"
A Holiday Celebration kicks off with the angelic voices of the Boston Children’s Chorus (BCC), performing “Carol of the Bells” and other holiday works under the direction of conductor Kenneth Griffith. Cambridge-based pianist Jacqueline Schwab then takes the stage to share instrumental renditions of traditional carols, such as the African American spiritual “Rise Up, Shepherd, and Follow.” The Renaissance Men, a Boston-based vocal ensemble, will also delight audiences with songs from across their stylistic range, from the Spanish holiday folk carol “Ríu Ríu Chíu” to the comedic tune “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas.”
Tenor Lawrence Brownlee, one of the leading figures in the opera world, will appear alongside pianist Kevin Miller to perform “The Christmas Song” and other selections that evoke the holiday mood. Brownlee is in town to record an upcoming album in Fraser Performance Studio, an increasingly sought-after studio for top classical music artists. The Charles Overton Group, led by the eponymous genre-bending Boston-based harpist, will perform a medley of holiday songs, including “My Favorite Things” and new holiday vocal arrangements. As the concert closes, the whole cast of performers will unite with the audience for a spirit-lifting carol.
The in-studio experience for A Holiday Celebration takes place from 6:45 to 9 pm ET and includes a pre-reception with light refreshments and the opportunity to mingle with other GBH Music supporters, followed by a general admission seat to enjoy the formal program. Tickets cost $65. The event can be enjoyed virtually from 7:30 to 9 pm ET for free with an RSVP. This event is sponsored by Delta Dental.