Grand music takes center stage during the holiday season. It begins Friday when the First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach presents “A Christmas Celebration of the Mass in A Major” by Cesar Franck. Directed by Jacob Craig, the church’s director of music and arts, this program is bound to be a big, spectacular, inspiration-filled production. It brings together the church’s Chancel Choir, singers from the Vero Beach Choral Society, and choirs from Sebastian River High School, Vero Beach High School and Indian River Charter High School. Musicians include the church’s Youth Symphonic Orchestra, comprising its Youth String Orchestra and its newly formed Youth Winds and Percussion ensemble. Composed in 1862, Franck’s Mass was originally written as a large orchestral work. He adapted it for use by smaller musical ensembles. First Presbyterian will perform the larger work with a modern-day score. There will be two performances, 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 17 and 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 19. Do plan to get there ahead of time, because this is expected to be very popular. Seats are given on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are fully vaccinated, you do not need to wear masks. However, those who are not vaccinated are respectfully requested to abide by church policy and wear a mask. Admission is free, but a $10 donation is suggested. First Presbyterian Church is at 520 Royal Palm Blvd., Vero Beach. For more information, call 772-562-9088 or visit FirstPresVero.org.
Jacob Craig is doubly busy this holiday season. He is also leading “A Jazzin’ Christmas” on Saturday. Presented by Have Piano Will Duel, the holiday concert is the showcase of an intensive jazz workshop. It features select students who will perform jazzed-up Christmas standards. The concert is free and open to the public. Doors open 2:30 p.m. The concert begins 3 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 520 Royal Palm Blvd., Vero Beach. Get there early, though. Last year’s holiday concert sold out. For more information, visit UnityEvents.org. You can call the church at 772-562-9088. You can get on the mailing list for these kind of events by emailing havepianowillduel@gmail.com.
Of course, when it comes to holiday concerts, the granddaddy of them all is Handel’s “Messiah.” That experience traditionally includes the audience standing to sing along with the final “Hallelujah Chorus.” And if that can’t get you into the Christmas spirit … well … then you might need to watch “A Christmas Carol” a few more times. It will be performed Sunday evening by members of the First Baptist Church’s choirs, and members of other area choirs as well as the Treasure Coast Chorale. It will be conducted by Michael Carter. The Handel’s Messiah concert begins 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 19, at First Baptist Church, 2206 16th Ave., Vero Beach. Call 772-567-4341 or visit FBCVero.org.
Riverside Theatre for Kids is set to delight the younger ones with its staged concert production of “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, JR.” What makes this an especially delightful event is that it is a free outdoor performance. Directed by Kevin Quillinan, this staged concert version uses no costumes or sets, instead relying totally on the story-telling talents of the young performers. The show begins 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18 at the Vero Beach Outlets, 1824 94th Dr. For more information, all 772-231-6990 or visit RiversideTheatre.com.
Thousands of professionally installed LED lights, lighted holiday displays and festive decorations will festoon the lush foliage of McKee Botanical Garden in its “Magic of McKee Festival of Lights,” running through Dec. 30. There will also be chances to visit Santa and enjoy entertainment. McKee Botanical Garden is at 350 U.S. 1, Vero Beach. Call 772-794-0601 or visit McKeeGarden.org.
Ballet Vero Beach has a treat for all of you who would like a smidgen of updates to tradition. The company will perform an outdoor presentation of “Nutcracker on the Indian River” next week at Tree House Vero Beach, a lovely outdoor event venue. Performances of “Nutcracker on the Indian River” begin 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 21-22. There will also be an hour-long “Nutcracker for All” performance, geared to the needs of differently abled individuals and young children, beginning 5:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 20, but tickets are sold out for that. Check their website to see if they are able to add an extra performance of “Nutcracker for All.” Online access to a recording of the performance runs Dec. 24 to Jan. 9, 2022. Tickets are $40 to $75. Call 772-905-2651 or visit BalletVeroBeach.org. Do hurry. Tickets are going fast for this one.