Join us as we toast the season with song, fine craft, and doo-wop!
The Cannon Valley Regional Orchestra invites you to join the choir or join the audience for Handel’s Messiah (Christmas Edition). Two performances are scheduled for the Greater Northfield Area: one at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, December 11, at the Cathedral of our Merciful Saviour, Faribault; a second, a matinee on Sunday, December 13, St. Wenceslaus Church, New Prague, 3:00 p.m. Choristers from Northfield, Faribault, New Prague and other nearby communities are invited to borrow a score and make a joyful noise as part of the Festival Choir. CVRO welcomes a quartet of superb vocal soloists to perform the famous recitatives and arias between the choral numbers: Linh Kauffman (soprano), Deesa Staats (mezzo soprano), Gary Ruschman (tenor), and Rodolfo Nieto (bass).
The complete Messiah is a three part work, however the CVRO concert will feature the Christmas portion and include the famous “Hallelujah” chorus: added by popular demand. The concert lasts about one hour. “Pay what you want” tickets for these concerts may be purchased at the door with a suggested admission of $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors to help support the orchestra.
Tickets are now on sale for Winter Wonderettes, Dec. 11-20, at the Arts Guild Theater. “This is the show everyone will be smiling about! From ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree’ to ‘Santa’ Claus is Coming to Town’, these popular holiday tunes sung in tight, four-part harmony, have a delightful doo-wop sound that you’ll just love!” says Rachel Haider, Performing Arts Manager. The show stars four fantastic women: Birch Carlson as Missy, Samantha Noonan as Cindy Lou, Esme’ Etter as Suzy, and Wendy Placko as Betty Jean. Local pianist Theo Wee rocks the piano as only she can, fueling the fun. Wee has been an active teacher of piano & organ in Northfield both privately and as professor of music at St. Olaf College. As collaborative pianists with many area musicians, Theo and her husband, DeWayne, will also be performing Camille Saint Saens’ “Carnival of the Animals” with the Cannon Valley Regional Orchestra in March.
Looking for a fun Holiday Gathering? Having friends or family to town in December? The Guild is offering discounts to groups of eight or more for Winter Wonderettes, so gather your friends, enjoy some eggnog, and head out to see this joyous musical review. We even have hotel packages available through the beautiful and historic Archer House River Inn! With the purchase of Winter Wonderettes tickets, guests can receive a free room upgrade, breakfast at Bittersweet Cafe and shopping coupons.
Looking for that perfect gift for that special someone? A rich array of artists have unique items on display in our colorful and expansive Northfield Arts Guild Gift Shop. More than 90 member artists offer ceramics, paintings, prints, greeting cards, photography, jewelry, glass, fiber art, hand-crafted journals, books by local authors for children, holiday ornaments, and children’s clothing and gifts. There is something for everyone! Artwork constantly rotating, so stop early and often to see the latest.
Showing in the Main Gallery from November 6 – December 24, the Fine Craft Collective features 22 artists working in jewelry, ceramics, painting, textiles, wood and metal. Over half of these artists also are members of the Arts Guild. Expanded hours, starting November 6th make it easy to stop in seven days a week during the holiday season.
