By Glen Parson, Guest Column

Holiday greetings to everyone! December is full of wonderful holiday events and programs. Here is a listing of what will be happening:

At noon on Saturday the next opera from the Metropolitan Opera, “Clemenza di Tito,” will be shown live at the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center. This is the story of Roman Emperor Titus who uncovers an assassination plot against him planned by his close friend and fiancee. Will he pardon them both in a final show of forgiveness and reconciliation?

At 7:30 p.m., also on Saturday, at the Lighthouse Event Center, will be Alison Scott. This singing dynamo is emerging on the Minneapolis scene as a performer to watch! She brings her unique style to Albert Lea for one night only.

At 7 p.m. Sunday the Southeastern Minnesota Chamber Orchestra will present its Christmas concert at First Lutheran Church. Also included in the concert will be the First Lutheran Chamber Choir, the Albert Lea Community Chorus, the First Lutheran Handbell Choir and the First Lutheran Children’s Choir. Jennifer Ordalen and Cali Mowers will be featured soloists. Brock Besse directs all of these groups and has written music for the groups. Music written by John Rutter and Michael W. Smith will also be featured. Tickets are available at First Lutheran Church, Marshall Street Music and from members of the orchestra as well as at the door the evening of the concert. Advance ticket prices are $10 for adults and $8 for seniors. Students through high school are free. At the door, prices will be $12 and $10.

Three Advent Organ Recitals at Salem Lutheran Church will be on Tuesdays at 12:15 p.m. On Dec. 4 Bob Tewes, director of music at Grace Lutheran Church, will be featured.

“White Christmas” will be presented at the Lighthouse Event Center on Dec. 7, 8, 14 and 15 at 7:30 p.m., and on Dec. 9 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 in advance and $17 at the door. This delightful story of song and dance is about men who connect with two beautiful performing sisters and put on a show to raise money to help save a Vermont inn. Cast members are from around the area.

Dec. 7 at 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. will be Meet the Met at the Prairie Wind Coffee Shop in downtown Albert Lea. Learn more about the story behind the opera “Un Ballo in Manschera” in a comfortable environment.

Dec. 8 brings the Met opera, “Un Ballo In Manschera.” This is the story of King Ricardo who is throwing a masquerade ball, but he is warned of a plot against him. With themes of love, money, betrayal and murder, we find beautiful music mixed with drama and intrigue.

The Albert Lea High School Holiday Choir Concert is at 7 p.m. Dec. 10 at the school auditorium. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students at Addie’s Floral and at the door. Concert passes will be accepted.

This is one of the most popular holiday concerts of the year! Diane Heaney directs.

On Dec. 11 Gail Thurnau, director of music at Christ Episcopal Church and organist at Ascension Lutheran Church, will perform the second organ recital at Salem Lutheran Church from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m.

 

Glen Parsons is a member of the Albert Lea Community Theatre.