The Community House’s holiday concert series will take place Dec. 6, 13 and 20.
By: Mary Genson | Birmingham-Bloomfield Eagle | Published November 19, 2023
BIRMINGHAM — The holiday concert series will be returning to The Community House in Birmingham this season with three performances in December.
For the shows on Dec. 6 and 20, the doors will open at 6:30 p.m., and the performance will start at 7 p.m. The performance on Dec. 13 is a matinee, so doors will open at noon, and the show will start at 12:30 p.m.
On Dec. 6, the concert will kick off with performances from the Brother Rice jazz band and The Marian Melodies. This is both group’s first year performing at the holiday concert series.
The Marian Melodies are a select women’s ensemble at Marian High School. They plan to perform several holiday songs, with singalongs incorporated.
“We are in Birmingham, and I think it is important for the music department to be highlighted and showcased for the community to see what we have to offer,” said Amy Blevins, Marian High School’s vocal arts director.
Each group will perform independent sets before joining forces to perform Christmas favorites at the end.
The Brother Rice jazz band plans to play some holiday classics, such as “A Charlie Brown Christmas” pieces. They also plan to perform a Fall Out Boy Christmas song at the concert.
Anna Bosler Santeiu, a music faculty member at Brother Rice High School, said that it’s “always so good for musicians, and especially high school musicians, to really understand that music is something that builds community, but it’s also something that can bring community together. Considering we are in the Bloomfield Hills-Birmingham community, it’s important for us to make ourselves part of its fabric and really share our … talents with those around us.”
A musical quartet featuring local violinist Andrew Wu will entertain guests during the matinee Dec. 13.
To finish off the series, The Joshua Chorale will perform Dec. 20. They are known for performing sacred music in spaces where sacred music is not typically performed. This is their second year singing at the holiday concert series.
In addition to signing hymns and carols from different faiths, they will also be performing some Renaissance music. The Joshua Chorale’s Sarah Dudek said she is most looking forward to featuring works from Italian Jewish composer Salamone Rossi.
“The Community House are wonderful hosts,” Dudek said. “They really make it a beautiful evening.”
Following each performance, there will be a post-concert gathering for attendees to mingle.
Tickets can be purchased for $40 and include attendance to the performance, holiday desserts and beverages.
Throughout the evening, guests will have access to a cash bar. For anyone looking to attend all three performances, discounted series tickets are available for $100 per person.
Guests can park for free for the first two hours in the Chester Street structure and any other Birmingham parking structure. Metered parking is available across from The Community House for $2 per hour for up to four hours.
To buy tickets, visit The Community House at communityhouse.com/event/holiday-concert-series or call (248) 644-5832.