Global Holiday Celebration

The Chicago Sinfonietta returns to the Harris Theater for Music and Dance for its second annual Global Holiday Celebration. Joined by guest conductor André Raphel Smith along with a local Chicago chorus, a vocal quartet and distinguished instrumental soloists, the concert will be a celebration of traditions from around the world. Conceived by Chicago Sinfonietta violist Reneé Baker, the Global Holiday Celebration will include Taiko Drummers JASC Tsukasa Taiko, AACM Creative Ensemble, Chicago Community Chorus directed by Dr. Keith Hampton, and the vocal quartet FOURTÉ. The holiday favorite Joy to the World will be transformed into a multi-ethnic potpourri featuring Nicole Mitchell on wooden flute, Vikas Deo on sarod, Tatsu Aoki on shamisen, and Steve Gibbons on Gypsy violin. The program will feature selections such as David Fanshawe’s African Sanctus; Adolphe Adam’s O Holy Night; Chip Davis and Calvin Custer’s and arrangement of Silent Night; Donny Hathaway’s soulful holiday standard This Christmas; and George Frederic Handel’s classic “Hallelujah!” chorus from Messiah followed by the gospel arrangement from A Soulful Celebration. Traditional favorites Feliz Navidad and O Hannukah will round out this festive program. In the custom of holiday caroling, the Chicago Sinfonietta will encourage the audience to sing along with the program’s familiar selections.