COMMUNITY EVENTS
NEW IN MANHATTAN
Winter Telescope Party
Dec. 21 at 7 p.m.
Hayden Planetarium Space Theater at American Museum of Natural History
Join Steve Beyer, Brian Levine, and Ted Williams for a sneak peek at the celestial objects that appear in our winter sky. $15; $12 members. AMNH.org
7th Annual Ecstatic Music Festival
Jan. 9–May 13
Merkin Concert Hall at Kaufman Music Center, 129 W. 67th St.
More than 80 artists from across the sonic spectrum come together for nine collaborative, one-night-only performances. Composers and performers from different musical genres come together for nine one-night-only performances featuring world premieres, new arrangements and the exclusive opportunity to hear artists discuss their work. $100–$120 for festival passes purchased before Dec. 31. KaufmanMusicCenter.org
New York Ceramics & Glass Fair
Jan. 19–22
Bohemian National Hall, 321 E. 73rd St.
The singular fair of its kind in the United States continues to attract a stellar roster of internationally renowned specialists—from ancient to contemporary, spanning five centuries. $20. NYCeramicsAndGlass.com
ONGOING IN MANHATTAN
New York & The Nation
Ongoing
The Robert H. and Clarice Smith New York Gallery of American History
170 Central Park West
Explore the story of New York and America in the Robert H. and Clarice Smith New York Gallery of American History. $20 for adults, $12 for students, $15 for seniors. NYHistory.org
ONGOING ELSEWHERE
Falun Dafa (Falun Gong) Exercises
Through Dec. 21, Wednesdays at 4–5 p.m.
Borough Park Library, 1265 43rd St., Brooklyn
A class of five exercises including meditation. Come relieve your stress and anxieties, increase your energy and vitality, and enjoy peace of mind. Free. en.FalunDafa.org
Thursday Nights at the Brooklyn Museum
Thursdays
Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Pkwy.
See all that the Brooklyn Museum has to offer—compliments of Squarespace. Get access to world-class permanent collections and tours of special exhibitions and events like films and salsa dancing. Free. ThursdayNightsBKM.org
Pushing the Envelope: A Decade of Documentary at the Cinema Eye Honors
Through Jan. 8
Museum of Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave., Queens
Highlights from the Cinema Eye Honors’ first decade with a series featuring more than twenty films that have won or been nominated, along with a few key films released in the year before that inaugural Cinema Eye Honors award ceremony. MovingImage.us
VISUAL ARTS
NEW IN MANHATTAN
The Poetics of Place
Dec. 12–May 28
The Met Fifth Avenue
The 60 works in The Poetics of Place will survey the diverse ways in which contemporary artists have photographed landscape and the built world over the last half century. $12–$25 suggested. METMuseum.org
Black Fashion Designers
Dec. 6–May 16
Museum at FIT, 227 W. 27th St.
Black Fashion Designers examines the impact made by designers of African American descent on the world of fashion. The exhibition features approximately 75 fashion objects that illustrate the individual styles of more than 60 designers, placing them within a wider fashion context. FITnyc.edu
A True Friend of the Cause: Lafayette and the Anti-Slavery Movement
Dec. 7–Feb. 4
Grolier Club, 47 E. 60th St.
Hailed as the “Hero of Two Worlds,” the Marquis de Lafayette (1757-1834) has received renewed attention for his multifaceted contributions in several areas, including international politics, diplomacy, the military, and the human rights movement. His sustained efforts deployed on both sides of the Atlantic on behalf of the abolition of slavery however are not widely known. This is the first public exhibition devoted to Lafayette’s role as an international anti-slavery advocate. Free. GrolierClub.org
ONGOING IN MANHATTAN
Faith and Photography: Auguste Salzmann in the Holy Land
Through Feb. 5
Gallery 852, The Howard Gilman Gallery at The Met Fifth Avenue
The first-ever exhibition devoted exclusively to the career of the French academic painter, archaeologist, and photographer Auguste Salzmann. In 1853, Salzmann embarked on the arduous journey from Paris to Jerusalem. Hoping to objectively verify religious faith through the documentation of the city’s holy sites, he turned to photography, creating one of the most enigmatic bodies of work of the 19th century. $12–$25 suggested. METMuseum.org
Renaissance Maiolica: Painted Pottery for Shelf and Table
Through May 29
The Met Fifth Avenue
This exhibition of Renaissance maiolica, drawn exclusively from The Met’s world-renowned collection, will celebrate the publication of “Maiolica, Italian Renaissance Ceramics in The Metropolitan Museum of Art” by Timothy Wilson. As Wilson writes, “Painted pottery, at its most ambitious, is a serious form of Italian Renaissance art, with much to offer those interested in the wider culture of this astoundingly creative period.” $12–$25 suggested. METMuseum.org
ONGOING ELSEWHERE
Wrap Me Up: Winter Small Works
Through Jan. 20
Eleventh Street Arts, 46-06 11th St, Long Island City, Queens
Small, intimate paintings and drawings by 51 artists, including a couple of sculptures and over 100 portraits, landscapes, figure, and still life paintings and drawings by highly skilled artists from the Water Street and Grand Central Ateliers. Prices range from $150 up to $9,500. Most works are priced around $2,000. EleventhStreetArts.com
PERFORMING ARTS
NEW IN MANHATTAN
The Magic Flute
Dec. 20–Jan. 5
Metropolitan Opera
The Met’s English-language family adaptation of Mozart’s sublime and mystical journey, a new holiday tradition in the city, returns in Julie Taymor’s fanciful production. Young stars Layla Claire and Ben Bliss are the fairy-tale princess and prince, and Christopher Maltman reprises his acclaimed interpretation of the bird-catcher Papageno. Special holiday pricing and weekday matinees are available for this abridged version, conducted by Antony Walker. From $25. MetOpera.org
Roméo et Juliette
Dec. 31–March 18
Metropolitan Opera
Diana Damrau and Vittorio Grigolo are back as opera’s classic lovers, in Gounod’s lush Shakespeare adaptation. The production, by director Bartlett Sher, has already won acclaim for its vivid 18th-century milieu and stunning costumes during runs at Salzburg and La Scala. Gianandrea Noseda conducts the sumptuous score. From $27. MetOpera.org
ONGOING IN MANHATTAN
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
Through Dec. 31
David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center
Celebrate the joy and wonder of the holidays with George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker” as Tschaikovsky’s iconic score whisks you away on a heartwarming adventure through the eyes of the pint-sized heroine Marie on her journey to a fantastical land made entirely of candy. $35–$285. NYCBallet.com
L'Amour de Loin
Through Dec. 29
Metropolitan Opera
A dazzling new production by Robert Lepage, featuring glimmering ribbons of LED lights that extend across the length of the stage and over the orchestra pit. Eric Owens is the knight on a quest of love and Susanna Phillips is his lover on the other side of the sea. Conductor Susanna Malkki makes her Met debut. From $25. MetOpera.org
Nabucco
Dec. 12–Jan. 7
Metropolitan Opera
The legendary Plácido Domingo brings another new baritone role to the Met under the baton of his longtime collaborator James Levine. Liudmyla Monastyrska is Abigaille, the warrior woman determined to rule empires, and Jamie Barton is the heroic Fenena. Dmitri Belosselskiy is the stentorian voice of the oppressed Hebrew people. From $27. MetOpera.org
NEW ELSEWHERE
The Nutcracker
Dec. 16 at 7 p.m.
Kingsborough College, 2001 Oriental Blvd., Brooklyn
The Nutcracker, a perennial holiday favorite, is an enchanting adventure through a little girl’s fantasy world of fairies, princes, toy soldiers, and an army of mice. Be transported by this stunning full-scale production, with Tchaikovsky’s wondrous score, choreography by world-renowned Marius Petipa and The Mariinsky’s Vasily Vainonen, and 40 of Russia’s brightest ballet stars in glorious costumes. $32–$37. OnstageAtKingsborough.org
MUSIC
NEW IN MANHATTAN
Big Band Holidays
Dec. 14–18
Rose Theater at Lincoln Center
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis offers swinging and soulful performances of your favorite holiday music. In addition to the classic selections heard on Blue Engine Records’ Big Band Holidays album, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra will perform brand new arrangements of songs both sacred and secular, from “Silver Bells” to favorites like “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” $30–$150. LincolnCenter.org
Brandenburg Concertos
Dec. 16, 18, & 20
Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center
Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center presents its annual performance of Bach’s “Six Concertos for Various Instruments.” Perhaps no other secular music unfailingly provides such spiritual fulfillment for music lovers of all faiths and beliefs, inspiring strength at year’s end and a vision of the brightest future. $45–$128. LincolnCenter.org
Babe in Concert
Dec. 16 at 8 p.m. & Dec. 17 at 2 p.m.
David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center
Babe isn’t your average farm animal. He’s a plucky piglet trying to find his way in the world. Along the way he finds his way into the hearts of singing mice, adoring puppies, and distant farmers. Experience this delightful, Oscar-winning classic to the fullest when the Philharmonic performs the score—with classical favorites, standards, and more—live as the complete film is screened. Family friendly, open to everyone 4 and up. $45–$80. LincolnCenter.org
New York Philharmonic:
Handel’s Messiah
Dec. 13–17
David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center
Messiah’s dazzling solos, instrumental fireworks, and glorious choral writing have made it the quintessential New York Philharmonic holiday tradition. $31–$145. NYPhil.org
Christmas Jazz
Dec. 17 at 3 p.m.
Fort Washington Collegiate Church, 729 W. 181st St.
Invite a little inspiration into you holiday season. Join members of the Washington Heights Chamber Orchestra and friends as present an afternoon of jazz-infused Christmas carols and holiday music, featuring jazz vocalist Aubrey Johnson, pianist-composer Chris Whittaker, and more. Usher in the Christmas spirit and support WHCO’s outreach programming to our area schools. $20. WashingtonHeightsOrchestra.org
Sejong Soloists Gala Concert
Dec. 17 at 7:30 p.m.
Zankel Hall at Carnegie Hall
New York-based Sejong Soloists has performed over 500 concerts in more than 100 cities on major stages of the world. The program features a world premiere by award-winning composer Richard Danielpour: “Talking to Aphrodite,” performed by Sarah Shafer and David Jolley, is based on poetry by noted author Erica Jong. The gala evening is hosted by TV journalist Paula Zahn, eight-time Emmy Award-winner, co-host of WNET’s weekly program “NYC Arts”, and a long-time supporter of Sejong Soloists. $75 concert; $300 concert and gala reception. Student discounts available. CarnegieHall.org
Apollo’s Fire—Handel’s Messiah
Dec. 18 at 1 p.m. “Pocket” Messiah
Dec. 18 at 3 p.m. Handel’s Messiah (full oratorio)
The Grace Rainey Rogers Auditorium at The Met Fifth Ave
The ultimate holiday tradition. Hear Handel’s famous oratorio in its full version, or choose the hour-long “pocket” version. Tickets start at $40 for the pocket “Messiah”; $65 for the full oratorio. MetMuseum.org
Holiday Brass
Dec. 18 at 3 p.m.
David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center
Beloved former Principal Trumpet Philip Smith—one of the undisputed top trumpet virtuosos of all time—hosts, conducts, and performs in this afternoon of joyful music. Program to include works by G. Gabrieli, Mozart, Warlock, and Anthony DiLorenzo, plus traditional Christmas and Chanukah favorites. $49–$69. NYPhil.org
Storm Large: Holiday Ordeal
Dec. 19 at 7 p.m.
Feinstein’s/54 Below, 254 W. 54th St.
What better way to spend a holiday than with Storm Large (of Pink Martini fame)? Storm will love you, leave you, delight you and abuse you with wicked charm and stunning vocals that will have you begging for more. “Holiday Ordeal” is a night of music, gags, gifts, and some very special guests, with songs ranging from “2000 Miles,” “Hallelujah,” “Sock it to Me Santa,” and the greatest holiday song never written for the holidays, “Somebody to Love.” $30–$60. 54Below.com
Dick Hyman: Solo Piano
Dec. 19–20
Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola at Lincoln Center
Legendary pianist Dick Hyman’s career includes a nearly encyclopedic output of over 100 albums under his name, ranging from original piano and orchestral works, to interpretations of classic American music, ragtime, and variants of stride piano. This is a chance to see America’s greatest music performed at the highest level by a living legend. $35. LincolnCenter.org
Flemish Holiday With Friends and Family
Dec. 21 at 7 p.m.
The Grace Rainey Rogers Auditorium at The Met Fifth Avenue
Leonora Duarte was one of the most brilliant composers of the 17th century. In this holiday program, the ensemble Sonnambula recreates a festive evening at the Duarte household with music by Leonora, her friends, and fellow musicians. Tickets start at $65. MetMuseum.org
New York Choral Society
Dec. 21 at 7:30 p.m.
Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center
Led by music director David Hayes, the program will present works by two musical giants of 20th century American choral music, Robert Shaw and Robert De Cormier, as well as works by Ralph Vaughan Williams, Elizabeth Poston, and James MacMillan. Featured soloists will be baritone Justin Hopkins and tenor Frederick Ballentine. $40–$75. NYChoral.org
Handel’s Messiah
Dec. 21 at 8 p.m.
Carnegie Hall
Kent Tritle conducts the Oratorio Society of New York, with a 200-voice chorus, soloists, and orchestra. $25–$90. OratorioSocietyofNY.org
Handel’s Messiah
Dec. 22 at 7:30 p.m.
Musica Sacra, whose 1983 recording of Handel’s Messiah was featured in the new Kenneth Lonergan film, “Manchester by the Sea,” returns with its annual presentation of one of New York’s great holiday traditions. Featuring soprano Kathryn Lewek, countertenor Jakub Orlinski, tenor Colin Balzer, and baritone Scott Dispensa, the performance by the Musica Sacra Chorus and Orchestra will be led by Music Director Kent Tritle. $15–$95. CarnegieHall.org
PubliQuartet & Friends
Dec. 23 at 7 p.m.
Gallery 534 (Vélez Blanco Patio) at The Met Fifth Avenue
Our Quartet in Residence celebrates the warmth of the holidays with Bach, Britten, and musical collaborators with friends and family. Special guests include violinist Jannina Norpoth’s father, (Detroit jazz guitarist A. Spencer Barefield) and Grammy nominated tuba player Bob Stewart (violinist Curtis Stewart’s father!). $12–$25 suggested. METMuseum.org
Copland and Marsalis
Dec. 28–30 & Jan. 3
David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center
The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis join the Philharmonic in the World Premiere of the jazz legend’s latest creation, one of The New York Commissions for the Orchestra’s 175th anniversary. With style, class, and talent to spare, Marsalis is one of the world’s finest musicians and composers. Plus William Bolcom’s Trombone Concerto, featuring Principal Trombone Joseph Alessi. $34–$124. NYPhil.org
New Year’s Eve Concert for Peace
Dec. 31 at 7 p.m.
Cathedral of St. John the Divine, 1047 Amsterdam Ave.
Founded by Leonard Bernstein in 1984, the annual New Year’s Eve Concert for Peace is a signature Cathedral event, gathering old friends and new for more than a quarter of a century. This year we begin with the optimism of Haydn through his “Morning” Symphony and continue with the exuberance of Bach’s Gloria/et in terra pax, “And on earth peace,” from the monumental Mass in B Minor. $40–$150. StJohnDivine.org
NY Philharmonic: New Year’s Eve
Dec. 31 at 8 p.m.
David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center
Celebrate New Year’s Eve by joining the Philharmonic for an “Enchanted Evening” of American classics, including beloved works by Rodgers & Hammerstein. $105–$275. NYPhil.org
ONGOING IN MANHATTAN
Spiral Music
Wednesdays
Rubin Museum, 150 W. 17th St.
Spiral Music presents acoustic music every Wednesday evening at the base of the museum’s spiral staircase. Artists who specialize in music from the Himalayas and South Asia are invited to forge a connection between their music and the art in the galleries. Free. RubinMuseum.org
