Three Can't-Miss Holiday Shows In The Chippewa Valley
there's sure to be a merry and bright soundscape for all types of listeners this holiday season, won't you join us?
Evelyn Nelson, photos by Luong Huynh |
What would the holidays be without music? Well, quieter for one thing. But they’d also be a lot less merry, less bright, less whimsical, less joyful, less festive – less everything. From traditional hymns to orchestral re-imaginings; to a cappella bops and sing-along pops — it’s hard to imagine this season without a soundtrack to the memories of loved ones coming together. (And what would we do without our local radio stations who supply listeners with holiday music!) Here are just a few of the biggest and fun-for-all performances slated between now and the New Year, here in the Chippewa Valley.
Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings
Friends and family who know me well, know one thing for certain: I have an undeniable fascination with experiences illuminated by the soft, flickering glow of a taper candle. Whether it's found in the elegance of a candlelit dinner, a serene stroll along a local trail, or in this particular instance, the captivating ambiance of a live listening experience — I find myself drawn to these moments shared with others.
The Candlelight concert series — presented by Fever — aims to bring a multi-sensory musical experience to locations around the nation. From New York City to Minneapolis — and now Eau Claire’s own Masonic Temple (616 Graham Ave., Eau Claire) — attendees have the chance to savor music of the season amongst the gentle glow of candlelight.
Over the past few years, Eau Claire has been host to a number of Candlelight concerts, featuring tributes to artists like Taylor Swift and battles of the bands including Coldplay vs. Imagine Dragons. As with many Candlelight concerts, the upcoming seasonal show will center around a core theme or season.
This season, Fever organizers have coordinated the Listeso string quartet — a collective agency that connects local musicians with performances nationwide — to feature as many area talents through their showcases.
On Dec. 13 in Eau Claire, attendees can look forward to new interpretations and classic retellings of Christmas and holiday tunes: 12 Days of Christmas, Carol of the Bells, Deck the Halls, Joy to the World, O Holy Night, O Christmas Tree, Silent Night and a dozen more timeless songs over an hour-long period.
Surrounded by hundreds of candles, the Masonic Temple’s historic ballroom offers an intimate listening space that comes alive and creates a beautiful and memorable experience with strangers and friends alike. This, for me, is truly the best part of the unique Candlelight concert experience.
There’s a magic which unfolds, as each string quartet member performs individual solos and harmonies altogether; they create a serene atmosphere that an image simply can’t capture. I surely will find it hard to resist singing along to the beloved holiday classics in store.
Don’t miss the one-night-only soundscape of Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings at 8:30pm on Saturday, Dec. 13. Tickets ($37+ per person) are selling fast and are available to purchase online through feverup.com.
Lindsey Stirling: The Snow Waltz Tour
Lindsey Stirling, a nationally-acclaimed violinist, songwriter and performance artist, is ready to bring reimagined versions of the timeless Snow Waltz soundtrack to The Sonnentag Center (1075 Menomonie St., Eau Claire). Known for her elaborate and highly visual live performances, many facets of this performance are hand-crafted by Stirling herself; from costumes to choreography.
The Snow Waltz Tour will arrive in Eau Claire at 8pm on Dec. 22, tickets are $49.50+ per person.
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Holiday Concert
A longtime Chippewa Valley favorite, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire will ring in the festivities at the start of December with traditional and new Christmas and holiday music. Presented by the UW-Eau Claire Foundation and Department of Music and Theatre Arts, this year’s concert will feature a complete orchestra, concert chorale, a capella ensembles and more. Proceeds from the performance will support scholarships for UW-Eau Claire students involved in the music department.
The annual UW-Eau Claire Holiday Concert will be held at 2pm and 5:30pm on Dec. 7 at the Pablo Center at the Confluence (128 Graham Ave., Eau Claire), tickets are $19.59+ per person.
If this roundup isn’t music to your ears, don’t worry, the full list of holiday-themed performances begins on page 86 in this year's Best Of the Holidays issue and online at VolumeOne.org./events.
