Pittsburgh 2012 Holiday Concert Preview
If you've already crossed shopping for presents, selecting your Christmas tree and baking holiday goodies off of your winter to-do list, you may think there's little left to do to help get you in the mood for the upcoming holiday season, but this time of year, Pittsburgh is bustling with a variety of holiday activities and events. A city rich in music and performance arts, Pittsburgh often draws some of the best winter concerts and tours to iconic downtown venues, like the Benedum Center and Heinz Hall, and this season is no exception. From Christmas rock operas to the purest vocal performances of local a capella groups, there's a holiday concert to match every musical taste. Ring in the holiday season with these acclaimed holiday concerts.Trans-Siberian Orchestra Winter Tour 2012: The Lost Christmas
CONSOL Energy Center
1001 Fifth Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15216
(412) 642-1800
www.trans-siberian.com
Date: Sunday, Dec. 16
Hours: 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Price: $42.95 to $83.30
The unconventional metal-infused Christmas rock of Trans-Siberian Orchestra returns to the stage with its "The Lost Christmas Eve" tour. This is the first time the group will perform this renowned rock opera live in Pittsburgh, and this year's show promises its most spectacular laser, lights and pyrotechnics effects ever. Each ticket purchased online includes a complimentary digital download of Trans-Siberian Orchestra's "Dreams of Fireflies (On a Christmas Night)" that features five new songs.
Celtic Woman: A Christmas Celebration with the PSO
Heinz Hall
600 Penn Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 392-4900
www.culturaldistrict.org
Date: Monday, Dec. 3 and Tuesday, Dec. 4
Hours: 7:30 p.m.
Price: $40 to $125
The alluring Irish ensemble Celtic Woman is joining forces with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra for two performances at Heinz Hall. The 2012 tour follows the release of Celtic Woman's highly anticipated holiday album "Home for Christmas," which hit store shelves in October. Listen to your favorite holiday songs, including "Silent Night" and "I'll Be Home for Christmas" sung with a Celtic influence as the city's best musicians provide the instrumentals.Related: The Five Most Hated Christmas Songs
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
Benedum Center
803 Liberty Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 456-2600
www.mannheimsteamroller.com
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 11 and Wednesday, Dec. 12
Hours: 8 p.m.
Price: $37.25 to $175
The classic sounds of Mannheim Steamroller arrive at the beautiful Benedum Center just in time for the holiday season with the 27th annual Mannheim Steamroller Christmas tour. This year's tour, which is sponsored by PANDORA Jewelry and directed by Chip Davis, will blend the iconic Christmas music of Mannheim Steamroller with the latest multimedia special effects for a truly unique holiday must-see. Two performances are scheduled for the Pittsburgh tour stop, but don't delay on purchasing your tickets as Mannheim Steamroller's annual holiday shows sell out quickly.
Heinz Chapel Choir
Heinz Memorial Chapel
1212 Cathedral of Learning South Bellefield Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
(412) 624-4157
www.heinzchapel.pitt.edu
Date: Saturday, Dec. 1, Sunday, Dec. 2, Friday, Dec. 7, and Sunday, Dec. 9
Hours: Fri and Sat – 8 p.m., Sun – 3 p.m.
Price: $15 general admission/$10 students and seniors (65+)
The Heinz Chapel Choir, the University of Pittsburgh's celebrated a capella choir, is presenting four performances of its holiday concert at the breathtaking Heinz Memorial Chapel. Welcome the holiday season with classic Christmas songs performed with beautifully resonant vocals. Advanced tickets are required for all Heinz Chapel Choir Holiday Concert shows.
Pittsburgh Doo Wop Holiday Reunion XI
CONSOL Energy Center
1001 Fifth Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15216
(412) 642-1800
www.consolenergycenter.com
Date: Friday, Dec. 7
Hours: 7 p.m.
Price: $21 to $95
Fans of doo-wop will love the rocking rhythm of Pittsburgh Doo-Wop Holiday Reunion XI, a doo-wop revival concert featuring the best doo-wop of the 1950s and '60s. On Friday, Dec. 7, the CONSOL Energy Center will be hopping with the 11th year of this fun reunion show starring Kenny Vance and the Planotones, The Edsels, Jimmy Gallagher and the Passions and fellow doo-wop superstars. Pittsburgh Doo-Wop Holiday Reunion XI is produced by Richard Nader Entertainment, Inc.
Head to CBS Pittsburgh's Best Of page for more local tips on family fun, shopping, nightlife, food, culture and more!
Jessica Wasik lives in Pittsburgh where works as a full-time figure skating coach sharing her passion with today's generation of young skaters. A graduate of Robert Morris University with a degree in English Studies, Jessica is also a contributing writer for Allegheny West Magazine. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
