Sounds of the Season

Festive concerts are a huge part of the holiday experience in Los Angeles. Whether it’s a full-scale symphony production or a performance by a solo singing star, holiday music resounds in the Southland between Thanksgiving and the new year. Here are some of the best concerts.

Holiday Magic

Fox Performing Arts Center, Riverside

7:30 p.m., -Nov. 30

The Riverside County Philharmonic and La Sierra University Chamber Singers merge for a family-oriented holiday music extravaganza that covers everything from “The Nutcracker” and “Messiah” to “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”

Messiah Sing-along

Walt Disney Concert Hall, Downtown L.A.

7:30 p.m., Dec. 11

Music director Grant Gershon and the Los Angeles Master Chorale present their annual holiday edition of George Frideric Handel’s 1741 masterpiece. The 2,200-strong audience is fully encouraged to sing along with the chorus. Scores will be available in the lobby.

Los Angeles Philharmonic

Holiday Sing-along

Walt Disney Concert Hall, Downtown L.A.

11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., Dec. 21

Here’s your chance to sing along with Julie Andrews. The legendary performer joins the L.A. Philharmonic for an afternoon of holiday music. Lyric sheets will be provided for everyone to join in. Part of the weeklong “Deck the Hall” concert series at the Disney.

Tis the Season!

Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa

5:30 p.m., Dec. 22 and 8 p.m., Dec. 23

Orange County’s annual holiday celebration features conductor John Alexander and the Pacific Chorale with guest artists from the Southern California Children’s Chorus and members of the Pacific Symphony.

Los Angeles County

Holiday Celebration

Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Downtown L.A.

3 to 6 p.m., Dec. 24

A local Christmas Eve tradition since 1959, this holiday jamboree features music and dance from 23 performance groups from around the county that reflect the Southland’s incredible cultural diversity. For those who can’t attend in person, the entire three hours of entertainment will be simulcast in true Hollywood style on KCET public television.

CENTER THEATRE GROUP

Center Theatre Group has your ticket to love, joy, laughter and more this holiday season. With four distinctly different shows across three beautiful venues, you won’t want to miss your chance to experience the magic of live theater. Gift certificates are available. Call (213) 628-2772 or visit www.centertheatregroup.org.

MATTHEW BOURNE’S “SLEEPING BEAUTY”

A gothic romance

Ahmanson Theatre

Nov. 21 through Dec. 1

“THE STEWARD OF CHRISTENDOM”

With Brian Dennehy

Mark Taper Forum

Nov. 26 through Jan. 5

“PETER AND THE STARCATCHER”

The Neverland you never knew ... until now
Ahmanson Theatre

Dec. 3 through Jan. 12

THE SECOND CITY’S “A CHRISTMAS CAROL: TWIST YOUR DICKENS”

Re-loaded! Re-twisted!

Kirk Douglas Theatre

Dec. 8 through 29

—Joe Yogerst, Brand Publishing Writer