November 2025
Sunday, November 23 5pm (Beverly Hills)
Tesserae Baroque: Ferrara and the Madrigal
Tesserae explores the madrigals of late sixteenth-century Ferrara, featuring music by Marenzio, da Rore, Agostini, Luzzaschi, de Macque, & de Wert.
Musicians: Andrea Zomorodian, soprano, Addy Sterrett, soprano, Anna Schubert, soprano, Vasken Ohanian, countertenor, Gregório Taniguchi, tenor, Michael Jones, tenor, John Buffett, bass, Robert Wang, theorbo , Ian Pritchard, harpsichord
Tickets: $20/$25/$35/$50. Free admission for children and Members of All Saints' Music Guild.
All Saints Episcopal Church 504 N. Camden Drive, Beverly Hills
more info: https://tesseraebaroque.org/concerts/
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Sunday, November 23, 7:30 p.m. (Sierra Madre, east of Pasadena)
Duo Remanence: Music for harpsichord, cello, and viola da gamba
Featuring Mana Tinkerhess on harpsichord and Eric Tinkerhess on cello and viola da gamba, Duo Remanence presents a captivating program of Baroque music.
Duo Remanence presents a musical journey in five acts, featuring music from the early eighteenth century written for harpsichord, cello, and viola da gamba. The concert begins with playful galant melodies and dance rhythms in cello sonatas by Antonio Vivaldi and Giovanni Battista Pergolesi. Then the dense counterpoint of Johann Sebastian Bach’s Sonata for Viol and Harpsichord animates vigorous dialogues between the players. “O Mother What Shall I Do” is a traditional Scottish tune arranged by the cellist James Oswald, followed by Marin Marais’s “Le Badinage” and “Le Labyrinthe,” pièces de caractères that evoke the passions of a witty conversation and a perilous labyrinth maze. Duo Remanence performs these works on a cello made in Milan in 1686, a viol from Tournai made in 1750, and a harpsichord made by local harpsichord maker Curtis Berak.
The repertoire spans works by Antonio Vivaldi, Giovanni Battista Pergolesi, Johann Sebastian Bach, Domenico Gabrielli, and Marin Marais, offering a rich exploration of the era’s musical brilliance. From the expressive sonorities of the viola da gamba to the intricate elegance of the harpsichord, this concert showcases the artistry and dynamic interplay of these two instruments in a beautifully curated selection. Audiences can expect an evening of timeless music, highlighting the depth and vibrancy of the Baroque tradition.
Tickets: $12-35
Sierra Madre Playhouse 87 W Sierra Madre Blvd, Sierra Madre, CA 91024
more info: https://www.sierramadreplayhouse.org/event/duoremanence2025
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December 2025
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Friday, December 5, 2025, 7:30 pm -10:30 pm (lecture at 6:45) (Santa Monica)
(repeats 12-6, 12-7 in La Jolla, San Diego)
Bach Collegium San Diego : G.F. Handel - Messiah (HWV 56)
Presented by St. Matthew’s Music Guild Music Guild’s Choral Arts Initiative (Pacific Palisades)
Handel’s great oratorio Messiah springs to life by way of the fruitful collaboration of Charles Jennens’ carefully conceived libretto and Handel’s supreme skill as a composer of the theatre. BCSD’s performance of Messiah, delivered by a dynamic cast in the manner of Handel’s dramatic operas, has become one of its crown jewels.
Conductor Ruben Valenzuela brings a complete historically informed performance of Handel’s immortal holiday classic featuring some of the best early-music instrumentalists and singers from around the country. SOLOISTS: Estelí Gomez, soprano , Jay Carter, countertenor , Angela Young Smucker, mezzo-soprano, Jacob Perry, Michael Jones, tenors , Jonathan Woody, bass
Our casual pre-concert feature, “Liner notes,” offers conversation with the evening’s artists and insights into Handel’s glorious “Messiah.” “Liner notes” begins at 6:45pm in the church.
Tickets: $45
Read our COVID policy. Late-comers will be seated at the discretion of the ushers between compositions.
St. Augustine By-the-Sea Episcopal Church 1227 Fourth Street, Santa Monica 90401
Parking is available directly across Fourth Street in the Santa Monica City Parking Structure #2.
more info:
https://www.musicguildonline.org/event/bach-collegium-san-diego-presents-handels-messiah/
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Friday, December 5, 7:00pm to 9:00pm (Westwood)
Westwood Presbyterian : Messiah Sing-A-long
Music at Westwood Presents their annual performance of George Frideric Handel’s Messiah
The audience will join the Westwood Presbyterian Chancel Choir, six esteemed vocal soloists and the Westwood Presbyterian Chamber Orchestra, forming a 150-voice choir as part of the traditional “Messiah Sing-A-Long".
Composed over a three-week period in 1741, “Messiah” is a holiday favorite and regarded as one of the Handel’s finest oratorios. It includes such renowned arias and choruses as the celebratory “Ev’ry valley shall be exalted”, the exuberant “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion” and the majestic “Hallelujah”.
Dan Redfeld (music director), Vocal soloists: Christina Borgioli (soprano), Devon Davidson (soprano), Emily Kerrigan (mezzo-soprano), Elias Berezin (tenor), Emerson Boatwright (tenor) and Matthew Lewis (bass),
Tickets $25 for adults, $10 for students: at the door and available here on Eventbrite prior to the concert. Guests under 18 are admitted free. Vocal scores will be available for purchase for $12 at the door.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/messiah-sing-a-long-tickets-1816041070729
Westwood Presbyterian Church 10822 Wilshire Boulevard, West Los Angeles, CA.
Free parking is available adjacent to the church.
more info: www.westwoodpres.org.
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Friday, December 5, 8:00PM (USC campus, near downtown LA)
Thornton Baroque Sinfonia: From Terpsichore to Telemann: German Music of the Baroque Era
Directed by Rotem Gilbert and Jason Yoshida, With Special Guest: Mary Vanhoozer
Free and open to the public
USC campus: Newman Recital Hall
more info on USC campus access: rotemgilbert@gmail.com (probably unrestricted)
more info and map: https://www.facebook.com/events/1328381328893267
Saturday, December 6, 8:00 p.m. (Eagle Rock/Glendale)
Ensemble Flame: A Timeless Tapestry of Strings and Song
Step into a sound world where centuries collide and resonate in harmony.
Ensemble Flame — featuring viola da gamba, triple harp, and theorbo — weaves a rich and unexpected journey through time, from the elegant courts of Baroque Europe to heartfelt ballads and iconic popular tunes of the 20th century.
Music by Guillaume de Machaut, Praetorius , Greenday, Eliot Smith, Mostafa Gorginzadeh, Parviz Khatibi, Bob Marley, and more.
With music spanning Praetorius to Bob Marley, Machaut to Jim Croce, and Eliot Smith to Mancini, this intimate program highlights the enduring power of melody across genres and generations. Old-world textures meet contemporary spirit in a concert that is both refined and refreshingly playful.
Join us for a celebration of musical craftsmanship, surprising arrangements, and the joy of discovery.
Ensemble Flame : Mana Tinkerhess, triple harp, Eric Tinkerhess, viola da gamba, Robert Wang, lute
Tickets: $32
Santa Cecelia Arts and Learning Center 2751 W Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90041
more info: https://www.scorchestra.org/concerts-2/event-three-lkk6f
Saturday, December 6 , 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm (Pasadena)
Brocelïande: A Joyful Seasonal Concert
Presented by Pasadena Folk Music Society
Brocelïande specialize in seasonal fare, honoring the elements of Nature and celebrating the human experience, and their delight is to uplift their audiences and provide a sonic sanctuary for a time. Brocelïande play original arrangements of Celtic music from the British Isles and Medieval and Renaissance music of the courts and countrysides on Celtic harp, guitar, cello, recorders, octave mandolin, nyckelharpa, flute, whistle, percussion, a 10-string hardanger cello d’amore (the only one in existence) and more!
The three members are well-known multi-instrumentalists and singers whose music includes upbeat dances, lovely ballads, and exciting a capella madrigals with evocative lyrics, including some in Medieval French and Portuguese, speak of love and longing, quests and revels, magic and transformation. Margaret Davis (Vocals, Celtic Harp, Flute, Recorders) brings her academic knowledge of the music of the troubadours. She sings in French, Medieval French, Latin, Provencal, Gallician Portuguese, Gaelic, Spanish, and English. Kristoph Klover (Vocals, Guitars, Octave Mandolin, Oboe) sings tenor, plays 12-string and 6-string guitar, octave mandolin, and oboe. Kris Yenney (Cello, Nyckelharpa, Hardanger cello d’Amore, Vocals, Percussion) is a cellist, conductor, composer, teacher and impresario.
Tickets: $33.85 for Adults and $12.51 for Caltech Students and Youth through High School. Purchase Advance Tickets Online . After the presale remaining tickets will be sold at the door – cash or check only.
Knox Presbyterian Church 225 S. Hill Ave., Pasadena, CA 91106
Parking : Knox Church is located at 225 S. Hill in Pasadena, at the intersection of Hill Ave. and Del Mar Blvd. Full information is available at this link. https://pasadenafolkmusicsociety.org/knox-church-parking/
Sunday, December 7, 2:00 PM (San Gabriel)
Ciaramella: Renaissance Music from Saint Nicholas to Christmas
Adam Knight Gilbert and Rotem Gilbert Directors
With USC Early Music Program Faculty, Alumni, and Students
Admission is free and open to the public, families are welcome
Mission San Gabriel Arcángel 427 South Junipero Serra Drive, Dr. San Gabriel, CA, 91776
Parking - abundant in adjacent lot
more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/796239256319462
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Sunday, December 7, 2025: 10:00am (Long Beach)
Lilia Ensemble: Special Music for Sunday Service
Lilia Ensemble will perform as part of the Sunday Service.
Unitarian Universalist Church of Long Beach - 5450 East Atherton Street, Long Beach, CA 90815
more info: https://www.liliaensemble.org/performancedates
Sunday December 7, 2025 |3:00 PM (Costa Mesa)
Pacific Symphony and Pacific Chorale: Handel's Glorious Messiah
A timeless masterwork that transcends three centuries, Handel’s Messiah is an event of joy, reflection, and renewal. Thrill to the blazing trumpets, thundering timpani, and the electrifying, uplifting “Hallelujah” chorus!
Robert Istad, conductor, Rabihah Davis Dunn, Soprano, Randall Scotting, Countertenor, Martin Bakari, Tenor, Jarrett Ott, Baritone, Lori Loftus, harpsichord, Pacific Chorale—Robert Istad, artistic director, Pacific Symphony
tickets: $55-$127-$164
Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall 615 Town Center Drive Costa Mesa, CA 92626
more info:https://www.pacificsymphony.org/show-details/handels-messiah
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Tuesday, December 9th, 7:00PM (West Los Angeles, UCLA campus)
UCLA Early Music Ensemble : "Susanna's Tears: Storytelling through Consorts and Lute Songs"
The UCLA Early Music Ensemble demonstrates the unique sonorities of various historical instrument families in homogenous consorts of violas da gamba, Renaissance recorders, Baroque double reeds (oboe, musette, bassoon), historical brass, historic double reeds (shawms, dulcian), crumhorns, and voices accompanied by lutes and harpsichord. Come experience multiple settings of such popular tunes as Susanne un jour and Flow My Tears by various composers and performing ensembles.
Admission: FREE
Schoenberg Music Building, 445 Charles E Young Dr E, Lani Hall north-west corner of building near Music Library
Parking: Structure 2 off Hilgard ave
more info: Contact: mwinkle@ucla.edu
Saturday, December 13, 2025: 6:00 - 9:00pm (Claremont)
Lilia Ensemble : Luminaria Nights @ California Botanic Garden
Come find your glow this winter during Luminaria Nights at California Botanic Garden. This winter lights experience is like no other in Southern California, featuring peaceful luminarias, food and drink, and live music at three beautifully illuminated musical venues. Get your tickets today as some nights will sell out!
California Botanic Garden - 1500 N College Avenue, Claremont CA 91711
more info: https://www.liliaensemble.org/performancedates
Sunday Dec 14 7:00 PM (Downtown LA)
LA Master Chorale : ENGLISH CATHEDRAL CHRISTMAS
The Master Chorale’s beloved holiday concerts return, including English Cathedral Christmas. Imagine that you’re in the majesty of Canterbury Cathedral, experiencing the great, unbroken tradition of British choral works from the 16th century to the present. The English holiday tradition includes centuries-old pilgrimages to cathedrals and churches for community celebrations of hope and joy.
PROGRAM (Early music and works by modern composers):
HENRY VIII Pastime with good company
THOMAS WEELKES Hosanna to the Son of David
THOMAS TALLIS O nata lux de lumine
THOMAS TALLIS Alleluya
WILLIAM BYRD This Day Christ Was Born
ARTISTS : GRANT GERSHON conductor, 62 singers, organ
Listen Up! Pre-Concert Lecture Alan Chapman, KUSC Host, Grant Gershon, Artistic Director
Tickets: $62-$259
Disney Concert Hall 111 S. Grand Avenue
Parking under venue
more info: https://lamasterchorale.org/show-details/english-cathedral-christmas-2025
Sunday, December 14. 7:30pm. (Palos Verdes)
Peninsula Community Church - Messiah Sing-Along
Peninsula Community Church invites the entire community to join in celebrating its 1st annual community sing-along performance of Handel’s Messiah! complete with organ, orchestra and professional soloists. YOU are the Chorus! This uplifting and heartwarming tradition, filled with sublime music, is sure to add sparkle and glow to this blessed Christmas season. Bring your own score or pick one up at the door! (Supply is limited).
Admission is FREE.
Peninsula Community Church 5640 Crestridge Road Rancho Palos Verdes CA 90278
more info: Event Phone: 310-377-4661
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Friday Dec 19 730pm-9:30pm (Santa Monica)
Baroque Collegium LA: J.S. Bach - Christmas Oratorio, selections from Handel - Messiah, sing-along on Messiah choruses
Concert performance with Baroque orchestra, soloists, and chorus sing-a-longs
Directed by Michael Raleigh.
Join us for a celebratory holiday season concert at St. Augustine by the Sea in Santa Monica, featuring LA's premier baroque ensemble. Hear the exuberant trumpets and festive drums of Bach's Christmas Oratorio and feel the power of the Hallelujah chorus from Handel's Messiah. The audience will have the opportunity to sing along with BCLA on some of the famous choruses from Messiah and scores are available for sale at the door.
Free, but RSVP recommended:
St. Augustine By-the-Sea Episcopal Church 1227 Fourth Street, Santa Monica 90401
Parking is available directly across Fourth Street in the Santa Monica City Parking Structure #2.
more info:https://baroquecollegiumla.com/
Friday, December 19, 2025 7:30 - 9:30pm (Doors open at 6:30pm) (Downtown LA)
DREAM Orchestra, Choir: Messiah (Christmas portion), and other holiday music
The DREAM Orchestra, the Opera Chorus of Los Angeles, and the Cathedral Choir, Featuring special guest Ray Ushikubo, violinist.
Experience the power of Handel's masterpiece in person. Prepare to be moved by the soaring voices and enchanting melodies that will fill the sacred space. Join the Los Angeles Dream Orchestra, the Opera Chorus of Los Angeles, and the Cathedral Choir under the direction of Maestro Daniel Suk for an unforgettable evening of holiday music.
Immerse yourself in the beauty of timeless masterpieces and festive favorites that capture the true spirit of the Christmas season. Surrounded by the breathtaking architecture of the Cathedral, this concert promises to be a night of joy, inspiration, and celebration.
Program Highlights; Handel’s Messiah (Christmas portion, Vivaldi’s Winter, Beloved holiday classics
Tickets $44 Admission is for general seating on a first come, first serve basis, and
Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels 555 West Temple Street Los Angeles, CA 90012-2707
parking at Cathedral $12.
more info: https://olacathedral.org/events/handels-messiah
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Saturday, December 20, 2025: 4:00pm (Glendale)
Lilia Ensemble: Winter Meditations Concert
Experience the music of the season with Lilia Ensemble. Celebrating traditions old - and older - Lilia Ensemble will share some stunning arrangements of pieces on this Winter Solstice eve - welcoming light, peace and hope into the new year.
Admission is free, with donations accepted at the door.
First Baptist Church of Glendale 209 North Louise Street, Glendale, CA, 91206
more info: https://www.liliaensemble.org/performancedates
Sunday, December 21, 2025: 10:00am (Glendale)
Lilia Ensemble : Special Music for Sunday Service
Lilia Ensemble will perform as part of the Sunday Service
First Baptist Church of Glendale 209 North Louise Street, Glendale, CA, 91206
more info: https://www.liliaensemble.org/performancedates
December 21, 2025 7:00PM (150 minutes) (Downtown LA)
LA Master Chorale: Messiah
Performers: Grant Gershon, conductor, Sunmi Shin, soprano, Laura Smith Roethe, mezzo-soprano, Robert Norman, tenor, Derrell Acon, bass, 48 singers and chamber orchestra
Joyous refrains and exultant arias, including the iconic "Hallelujah" Chorus, will fill the concert hall this holiday season. This Baroque masterwork, expressing the themes of hope, redemption and grace, showcases the magnificent artistry and skill of our celebrated chorus, complemented by four exceptional guest artists. Join us for this wonderful holiday tradition!
ARTISTS: GRANT GERSHON, conductor, ANNA SCHUBERT, soprano, LINDSAY PATTERSON ABDOU, alto, JOHN LEE KEENAN, tenor, CHUNG UK LEE, bass
Listen Up! Pre-concert lecture :Jennifer Miller Hammel, KUSC host, Grant Gershon, artistic director. Concert with intermission.
COVID-19 SAFETY: Our COVID-19 policy is available.
Tickets: $79-$219
Disney Concert Hall 111 S. Grand Avenue
Parking under venue
more info: https://lamasterchorale.org/show-details/handels-messiah-2025
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Sunday, December 21, 2025, two performances, 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. (Claremont)
Claremont Symphony Orchestra : Annual Messiah Sing-Along Concert: Messiah Part I plus Hallelujah Chorus
Conducted by Music Director Robert Sage, Thalia Moore, soprano, Meghan Linnington, Mezzo-soprano, James Salazar, tenor, Eric Castro, baritone
FREE
Pomona College campus., Bridges Hall of Music, 150 E. 4th Street (corner of 4th and College), Claremont, CA
more info: https://www.claremontso.org/
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Monday, December 22, 2025, 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm (Long Beach)
Long Beach Camerata Singers and Tesserae Baroque: Handel’s Messiah
Tesserae Baroque joins Long Beach Camerata Singers in their 18th Annual performance of Handel’s beloved masterpiece. Join us for a powerful, joy-filled performance packed with soaring melodies, dramatic moments, and the famous “Hallelujah” chorus. It’s a night of music, meaning, and holiday cheer!
Tickets: VIP Seating: $60, Preferred Seating: $46
Our Lady of Refuge Catholic Church, 5195 Stearns Street Long Beach, CA 90815
more info:
https://longbeachcameratasingers.org/
https://tesseraebaroque.org/event/the-long-beach-camerata-singers-handels-messiah/
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December 22, 2025 7:30PM (Downtown LA)
LA Master Chorale: Messiah Sing-Along
Don’t be shy! You are the artist! Sing along with the world-class Master Chorale vocalists in this beloved holiday work. This year marks the 45th year for this annual celebration of music and community. Two thousand voices lifted together in the Walt Disney Concert Hall! There’s no experience quite like the Master Chorale’s Messiah Sing-Along.
ARTISTS: GRANT GERSHON, conductor, ANDREA ZOMORODIAN, soprano, SHABNAM KALBASI, alto, EVAN ROBERTS, tenor, JAMES HAYDEN, bass, 20 singers, soloists, chamber orchestra
YOU are the chorus!
Tickets $49-$149
Disney Concert Hall 111 S. Grand Avenue
Parking under venue
More info: https://lamasterchorale.org/show-details/messiah-sing-along-2025
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Master Calendars
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Credit: Renaissance minstrels in Augsburg (1520). iStock.com/© gameover2012
Early Music Around Town
A timely shortlist of local early music concerts and events.
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To view the entire season of concerts and events, consult the current Master Calendar.
Please note that SCEMS does not present or sponsor concerts.
The listings below include early music related concerts and events offered by organizations throughout the Southern California area. Readers are advised to call ahead to verify events, times, and ticket availability, which are subject to change.