Auld Lang Syne at Morgan
“How did a traditional Scots folk song—with lyrics that many people scarcely understand—emerge as one of the world’s most enduring popular songs?” asks The Morgan Museum & Library about the classic New Year’s song “Auld Lang Syne.” Last week, the Morgan opened its exhibit of a rare manuscript of the song in Scottish poet Robert Burns’s (1759–1796) original hand. Other rare letters and multimedia features are also part of the exhibit.
The Morgan Museum & Library
Now through Feb. 5, Free gallery talk Friday, Dec. 16, 7 p.m.
Tickets: $15, 12 and under free.
www.themorgan.org
‘The Play of Daniel’ and Medieval Christmas Music
This fully staged and costumed production of the 13th century liturgical drama, accompanied by medieval instruments, tells the tale of the biblical prophet Daniel, who miraculously survived a lion’s den. The play is sung in Latin and features English narration. A separate part of the program, the medieval Christmas music features the Transfiguration Boys Choir.
The Church of the Transfiguration, 1 East 29th St.
Friday, Dec. 16, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $25. Reservations: (212) 684-4174
www.littlechurch.org
“Messiah”: Musica Sacra
Telling of the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ in English, George Frideric Handel’s “Messiah” is the quintessential Christmas concert, being enjoyed by audiences for hundreds of years. Musica Sacra, the oldest continuously performing professional chorus in New York City, offers the gold standard in “Messiah” performances. They have performed “Messiah” annually since 1976.
Stern Auditorium, Carnegie Hall
Tuesday, Dec. 20 and Wednesday Dec. 21
Tickets: $12.50-$128
www.carnegiehall.org
Brandenburg Concertos
The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center ends their Baroque Festival with the J.S. Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos, which they hail as “among the towering achievements of Western civilization.” The richly rewarding concertos create an atmosphere of elaborately layered noise both sublime and euphoric. The first performance on Sunday, Dec. 18 is already sold out.
Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center
Tuesday, Dec. 20, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $45-$78
www.chambermusicsociety.org
Shen Yun Performing Arts
After more than 60 years of Communist rule, traditional Chinese culture has been all but demolished. Now, the dancers, orchestra, and soloists of Shen Yun Performing Arts revive the deeply spiritual and ethnic culture of China. This show is simply a modern epic, defying tyranny and celebrating life through the performing arts.
David H. Koch Theater, Lincoln Center
Wednesday Jan. 11 – Sunday Jan. 15
Tickets: $80-$250
www.shenyunperformingarts.org
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