17 holiday shows Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra will play or present this season
Jim HigginsTwelve days of Christmas aren't enough for the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra.
Between Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve, the MSO will perform or present 17 shows in the Bradley Symphony Center, 212 W. Wisconsin Ave., nearly all with holiday content.
Being active in their own home during December was a frequently stated reason why the MSO spent $90 million to convert a former movie palace into the BSC.
Here's a look at the MSO's performances and events from Nov. 24 through Dec. 31. Tickets for these events can be purchased through mso.org or (414) 291-7605.
'Elf' in concert
Yaniv Dinur conducts the MSO in a live performance of John Debney's score to screenings of the 2003 comedy "Elf," starring Will Ferrell as a human raised by Santa's elves. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 24-25, 2:30 p.m. Nov. 26.
Holiday jazz with Dee Alexander
Chicago-based vocalist Alexander performs seasonally suitable music with the Alexander/McLean Project, featuring guitarist John McLean. The MSO does not perform during this concert. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2.
The Commercialists: 'Charlie Brown Christmas'
Vocalist Donna Woodall joins the trio of pianist Anthony Deutsch, bassist Clay Schaub and drummer Patrick Morrow for concerts featuring Vince Guaraldi's jazz score. The MSO does not perform during these shows. 7 and 9 p.m. Dec. 4.
Handel's 'Messiah'
Music director Ken-David Masur conducts the orchestra and Milwaukee Symphony Chorus in Handel's sacred oratorio, featuring the "Halleluajh" chorus. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8-9, 2:30 p.m. Dec. 10.
Holiday Pops
Conductor-trumpeter Byron Stripling and vocalist Mamie Parris join the orchestra and concert for classics, carols and sing-alongs. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14-15, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16, 2:30 p.m. Dec. 17, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19.
'Back to the Future'
Ryan Tani conducts the MSO in live performances of Alan Silvestri's score to screenings of the 1985 movie classic starring Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd. A bonus: Silvestri has added about 20 extra minutes of music to the score for orchestral performances. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 30, 2:30 p.m. Dec. 31.