Get ready for an extraordinary celebration of choral music in Grand Rapids with three spectacular events that promise to enchant and inspire. Experience the magic of the University of Michigan Health - West Holiday Pops, an annual tradition featuring conductor Bob Bernhardt and the enchanting Tony DeSare. Relish in intimate mornings and evenings with the Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus, under the passionate direction of Pearl Shangkuan, as they deliver a stunning lineup of choral masterpieces. Mark your calendars for these not-to-miss occasions filled with music, joy, and community spirit.

Experience the Magic of Holiday Pops and Choral Meetups in Grand Rapids

Celebrate the holiday season with the University of Michigan Health - West Holiday Pops, a cherished Grand Rapids tradition that promises to enchant the whole family. Under the baton of conductor Bob Bernhardt, with the captivating Tony DeSare on piano and vocals, this festive concert will feature the Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus directed by Pearl Shangkuan, and the Grand Rapids Symphony Youth Chorus co-directed by Sean & Leah Ivory.

This annual event will showcase your favorite holiday melodies, offering the opportunity to sing along to traditional carols with the combined voices of the Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus and Youth Chorus. Adding to the holiday cheer, a special guest from the North Pole is expected to make an appearance, ensuring a memorable experience for attendees of all ages.

Please be aware that the Friday, 10 am performance will offer a condensed one-hour concert experience and will not feature the Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus. Additionally, in a unique opportunity for young attendees, a Child Conducting Contest will be held at each performance, where one lucky child aged 8 to 13 will be chosen to conduct "Sleigh Ride." Interested participants are encouraged to sign up in the lobby before the concert begins.

The event will take place at DeVos Performance Hall with multiple showtimes available from Thursday, December 02, 2021, through Sunday, December 05, 2021. For tickets and detailed showtimes, please visit the official website.

For the safety and well-being of all attendees, current health and safety guidelines for Grand Rapids Symphony performances will be in effect. For more information on these guidelines, please refer to the provided link.

Join us for a magical holiday experience with the University of Michigan Health - West Holiday Pops and start your holiday season with music, joy, and celebration.

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University of Michigan Health - West Holiday Pops

DeVos Performance Hall

**South American Heat: A Musical Journey**

Join us for an unforgettable evening of music and dance with the "South American Heat" concert, under the baton of conductor Marcelo Lehninger. This vibrant event will feature the talents of tenor Aquiles Machado, baritone Gustavo Castillo, the Grand Rapids Ballet, and the Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus, directed by Pearl Shangkuan.

**Program Highlights:**
- **Three Brazilian Dances** by Camargo Guarnieri
- **Primavera Porteña** from The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires, arranged by Mechetti, and **Oblivion** by Astor Piazzolla
- **El salon México** by Aaron Copland
- **Cantata Criolla** by Antonio Estévez, a South American rendition of the Faust legend, showcasing a dramatic duel with the devil.

**What to Expect:**
Prepare to be immersed in a concert that celebrates the rich musical heritage of South America. From well-known pieces to hidden gems, this performance is a testament to the vibrant culture and the artistic prowess of composers from the continent. The highlight, Cantata Criolla, promises a thrilling narrative experience accompanied by mesmerizing music.

**Dates and Venue:**
- **Friday, November 15, 2024, at 7:30 PM**
- **Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 7:30 PM**
- **Location:** DeVos Performance Hall

**Tickets:**
Tickets are available for purchase. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the warmth and passion of South American music.

**Sponsors:**
This concert series is proudly sponsored by Richard and Helen DeVos, with Marcelo Lehninger occupying the Daniel & Pamella DeVos Music Director Chair. Special thanks to the Edith I. Blodgett Guest Artist Fund for supporting our guest artists.

For more information and to secure your tickets, visit our website or call us at 616-454-9451. Join us for a night of exhilarating performances that promise to leave you captivated by the spirit of South America.

South American Heat

Help us celebrate the cultural phenomenon of Star Wars as we perform the iconic music featured in the nine films of the Skywalker Saga composed by John Williams!

May the Fourth Be with You: Star Wars and More!

A Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus Celebration

Join us for this long-standing holiday tradition with Bob Bernhardt the Grand Rapids Symphony, the Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus, the Grand Rapids Youth Chorus, Embellish Handbell Ensemble, and frequent GRS soloist Shayna Steele!

University of Michigan Health-West Holiday Pops

For the first time as part of our Masterworks series—behold the power of the music and words of Handel’s most beloved work—the Messiah. With lighting that evokes the original 1742 Dublin premiere. Your Grand Rapids Symphony, Chorus, and vocal soloists will ring in the Holidays with choruses from “Worthy is the Lamb” and “For unto us a child is born” to “Hallelujah,” and solos from “O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion” and “Rejoice Greatly” to “Thou shalt break them.”

Handel's Messiah by Candlelight

Mozart’s epic funeral mass was left unfinished after his untimely death at 35 and remains one of his most personal works. Featured in the climax of multi-Academy Award winning film Amadeus, the Requiem has infectious melodies that will leave you in awe of his towering genius.

Mozart’s Requiem

Inspired by an ancient tale and commissioned by Sergei Diaghilev for the Ballets Russes, Daphnis et Chloé is a Greek love story between a boy and a girl that has become one of the pillars of 20th Century orchestral writing. Suite No. 2 features what is widely regarded as one of the most satisfying endings in all music.

Ravel’s Daphnis et Chloé

Join us for this long-standing holiday tradition with Bob Bernhardt the Grand Rapids Symphony, the Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus, the Grand Rapids Youth Chorus, Embellish Handbell Ensemble, and featured soloist Denzal Sinclaire!

University of Michigan Health – West Holiday Pops

Together again LIVE! doesn’t quite cover it as we reunite your Grand Rapids Symphony, Chorus, soprano Jessica Rivera and Mezzo-Soprano Susan Platts under the baton of our Music Director Marcelo Lehninger for Mahler’s monumental Symphony No. 2, “Resurrection.” <strong>Listen in awe as more than 200 artists come together LIVE to celebrate the gift of music.

Mahler's Resurrection

Calling all movie buffs—you don’t want to miss this! Take an unforgettable musical journey led by Principal Pops Conductor Bob Bernhardt and your Grand Rapids Symphony. This heart-stirring program will feature iconic tunes from award-winning movies by composers like John Williams and Ennio Morricone! Go down memory lane as you enjoy favorites from Catch Me if You Can, Schindler’s List, Cinema Paradiso, Titanic, and so many more!

Lights, Camera, Music! feat. works by John Williams and more

Very few classical pieces of the 20th century has endured as this favorite—Gustav Holst’s "The Planets". As a benefit to Pathwaves subscribers, the Grand Rapids Symphony will join the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s Chaffee Planetarium to take you along on a journey of our solar system. Marvel at the beauty of the solar system with images of Mars, Venus, Mercury, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.

The Planets

Ring in the New Year to the sound of Mozart! Revel in the excitement of Mozart’s <em>Eine kleine Nachtmusik</em> before you experience something new—Marcelo Lehninger will conduct from the piano. This concert will also feature our Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus in two breathtaking arrangements. Also on the program, works by Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos for piano solo and string orchestra.

Marcelo Plays & Conducts

Join us for a captivating morning with the Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus at the "Coffee with the GRS Chorus" event. Under the baton of esteemed conductor Pearl Shangkuan, immerse yourself in a selection of classical masterpieces that promise to uplift and inspire. The program features an array of compositions, including Bach's jubilant "Cantata Gloria in excelsis Deo, BWV 191," Elaine Hagenberg's luminous "Illuminare," a selection from Tarik O'Regan's evocative "Triptych," Dan Forrest's serene "Ubi Caritas," and Beethoven's majestic "Hallelujah Chorus" from "Christ on the Mount of Olives, Op. 85."

This unique event offers you the chance to experience the phenomenal voices of your Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus in an intimate setting, ensuring an unforgettable experience. To make your morning even more enjoyable, we invite you to join us for complimentary coffee and donuts before the performance, allowing for a moment of relaxation and community before the musical journey begins.

Mark your calendars for Friday, March 07, 2025, at 10:00 AM, and be sure to join us at the St. Cecilia Music Center for this special event. Tickets are available now, and we encourage you to secure yours early to witness the sublime beauty of choral music performed by one of the region's premier choruses.

Thank you to our sponsors and to Pearl Shangkuan, who occupies the Covenant Chair, for making this event possible. We look forward to sharing this beautiful morning of music and fellowship with you.

Coffee with the GRS Chorus

St. Cecilia Music Center

Join us for "An Evening with the GRS Chorus," a captivating concert experience that showcases the phenomenal voices of the Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus. Under the baton of conductor Pearl Shangkuan, the evening promises an unforgettable auditory journey through a selection of masterpieces, including BACH's Cantata "Gloria in excelsis Deo," BWV 191, ELAINE HAGENBERG's "Illuminare," TARIK O'REGAN's selection from "Triptych," DAN FORREST's "Ubi Caritas," and BEETHOVEN's "Hallelujah Chorus" from "Christus am Ölberge" (Christ on the Mount of Olives), Op. 85.

This intimate concert setting at the St. Cecilia Music Center on Friday, March 07, 2025, at 7:30 PM, not only offers an evening of exquisite choral music but also invites attendees to a wine and cheese reception following the performance, providing a perfect opportunity to mingle and reflect on the night's musical offerings.

Tickets are available for purchase now. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus in an evening that promises to be both enlightening and enchanting.

Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus

Mar 7, 2025

Coffee with the GRS Chorus

Mar 7, 2025

An Evening with the GRS Chorus

5 - 8 Dec, 2024

University of Michigan Health - West Holiday Pops

15 - 16 Nov, 2024

South American Heat

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Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus