Newport Classical will present six holiday concerts over two weekends in December, each program performed twice in an afternoon.
Christmas with Cantus opens the run on Saturday, Dec. 5, at 1 and 3:30 p.m. at the Newport Classical Recital Hall. The low-voice ensemble, which sold out two Newport performances in 2024, will perform carols including “Silent Night” and “O Come, All Ye Faithful” alongside contemporary choral works by composers including Zanaida Robles and Eric Whitacre. The programs run about an hour.
Messiah at the Mansion follows on Sunday, Dec. 6, at 1 and 3:30 p.m. at Rosecliff, 548 Bellevue Ave. The hour-long chamber version of Handel’s oratorio, including the Hallelujah Chorus, features the Rhode Island vocal ensemble Ensemble Altera and the Professional Choristers of the Choir School of Newport County, conducted by Christopher Lowrey. The performances are supported by Cynthia Sinclair’s philanthropic giving to the Choir School.
Classical Christmas with Frisson closes the run on Saturday, Dec. 12, at 1 and 3:30 p.m. at Emmanuel Church, 42 Dearborn St. The 11-piece chamber orchestra will play selections from Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker” Suite, Vivaldi’s “Winter,” Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 and “Carol of the Bells,” with a Christmas sing-along.
Tickets and information are at newportclassical.org.
Newport Classical’s chamber series continues Friday, Nov. 20, with guitarist Raphaël Feuillâtre performing “Latin Passions.” The 2027 Newport Classical Music Festival runs July 1-18.
