Sunday, October 28, 2012

Book now for The Pipes of Christmas

Of the many and varied holiday performance events in available in New York City each year, my favorite is the Pipes of Christmas and I can't wait to go again this year.  It causes my wee drops of Scottish, Welsh and Irish blood  to course a little quicker through my veins.

The fourteenth annual Pipes of Christmas takes place this year on December 15th and 16th.  Manhattan is getting two performances on Saturday the 15th at Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church.   On Sunday, the 16th, Central Presbyterian Church in Summit, New Jersey will host.

The Pipes of Christmas offers a soul-soaring mix of traditional holiday and sacred music performed by brass, string and percussion, Celtic instruments and the Highland pipes interspersed with Holy Scripture and the poetry and literature of Celtic heritage.

It's a glorious celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and of the season itself as well as the Celtic hertitage.  It has me wanting to dance the Highland Fling right at my seat and the finale of Scotland the Brave is beyond thrilling and joyous.

Founded by the Clan Currie Society, the Pipes of Christmas raises funds to support music scholarships for educational institutions offering Celtic music programs, including the Royal Conservatorie of Scotland, the Gaelic College of Arts, and the National Piping Centre.

This year, featured performers are actor James Robinson ("Braveheart"), the Scottish Country Dance trio Local Hero, the Solid Brass ensemble, harpist Jennifer POrt of Golspie, Scotland and the Kevin Ray Blandford Memorial Pipe Band of Reldands, CA.  Additionally, Gaelic Mod champion singer Paul McCallum from the island of South Uist in the Outer Hebrides makes his New York City debut.

Also this year, the concert will feature the world premier of two new works.  "Balmoral Snow" will salute Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee.  "Sea of Tranquility" will honor the memory of Neil Armstrong.

Tickets are available via SmartTix by calling (212) 868-4444 or online at www.smarttix.com.  Tickets will also be available at the door, subject to availability - this concert traditionally sells out.  For additional information, call (908_ 273-3509 or visit www.pipesofchristmas.com  

Last year:




1 comment:

Susan Does 23 Things said...

Awesome! Wish I could go.