On Thursday, November 29, 2018 in the Main Hall of Union Station, a consortium of partners including Washington Performing Arts, the Royal Norwegian Embassy, the Norwegian-American Chamber of Commerce—Mid-Atlantic Chapter, the Bach Project, and Union Station present a holiday celebration event, with performances by local artists, the annual Norwegian Christmas tree lighting, an appearance by Santa Claus, and culminating in a simulcast of Yo-Yo Ma’s performance of J.S. Bach’s complete cello suites live from the National Cathedral, presented by Washington Performing Arts in memory of Isaac Stern.
For more than 20 years, Norway has presented a Christmas tree to the people of Washington, in recognition of its strong friendship with the United States and in gratitude for America’s assistance during and after World War II. This year’s Christmas tree is made possible by Equinor, Kongsberg Gruppen, Nammo Inc., Innovation Norway, and Insitu Inc.
Complete Schedule of Events
Norwegian Christmas Tree Lighting (6pm)
Featuring the Washington Performing Arts Children of the Gospel Choir and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus
Mars Urban Arts Initiative Holiday Pop-Up Concert (7pm)
Featuring the Howard University Gospel Choir & more
Washington Performing Arts’ Mars Urban Arts Initiative and Brightest Young Things present a holiday pop-up concert that showcases some of D.C.’s beloved hometown musical acts, including the Howard University Gospel Choir. Throughout the evening, guests will also have a chance to learn about global holiday traditions and J.S. Bach’s music from organizations like the Royal Norwegian Embassy, the Norwegian-American Chamber of Commerce – Mid-Atlantic Chapter, the Library of Congress, and D.C. Public Library.
Simulcast: The Bach Project at Washington National Cathedral
Yo-Yo Ma Performs Bach Cello Suites (8pm)
Live audio/video feed from Washington National Cathedral
In Memory of Isaac Stern
Yo-Yo Ma’s sold-out performance of Bach’s cello suites at Washington National Cathedral, presented by Washington Performing Arts, will be simulcast at Union Station in conjunction with the annual Norwegian Christmas Tree Lighting, a beloved Washington, D.C. holiday tradition. This concert simulcast is part of Yo-Yo Ma’s Bach Project, a two-year journey to perform Johann Sebastian Bach’s six suites for solo cello in 36 locations around the world. It is an undertaking motivated not only by Yo-Yo’s six-decade relationship with the music, but also by Bach’s ability to speak to our shared humanity at a time when our civic conversation is so often focused on division.
The Library of Congress will present a display of treasures and manuscripts relating to J.S. Bach and Yo-Yo Ma’s career at Washington National Cathedral, in conjunction with Yo-Yo Ma’s performance.
Free, registration encouraged | Family-friendly
http://tinyurl.com/
Yo-Yo Ma’s performance at Washington National Cathedral is made possible in part by the generous support of
Dr. Gary Mather and Ms. Christina Co Mather, the Linda and Isaac Stern Charitable Foundation, and Daniel Heider.
The simulcast is made possible by Yo-Yo Ma’s Bach Project and the Mars Urban Arts Initiative, which is generously supported by Jacqueline Badger Mars and Mars, Incorporated.
These events are part of Washington Performing Arts’ global programming initiative, The World in Our City, which provides perspective on what it means to be a citizen of the world through a unique arts-based lens. Special thanks to Her Excellency Shaikha Aisha AlKhalifa, Spouse of the Ambassador, Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain; Jennifer and Brian Coulter; Dr. Gary Mather and Ms. Christina Co Mather; Jan and Marike Paulsson; Mary Jo Veverka; Michael Frankhuizen; Karin’s Florist.
Mars Urban Arts Initiative and Washington Performing Arts Gospel Choirs
VeVe & tha Rebels
Saturday, December 1, 5 p.m.
The LINE Hotel
2018/19 Mars Urban Arts Initiative ensemble-in-residence VeVe & tha Rebels performs original Afro-folk at The LINE DC, Washingtonian Magazine’s “favorite hotel at which to hang out.” This concert will be broadcast live via The Line DC’s Full Service Radio online stream.
Free and open to the public.
Co-presented with The LINE DC.
Washington Performing Arts’ Mars Urban Arts Initiative is generously supported by Jacqueline Badger Mars and Mars, Incorporated.
When: Saturday, December 1, 6 to 8pm
Where: Soulex Float Spa, 1010 Massachussettes Avenue, NW
What: Celebrate the holiday season than with an evening of meditation, mindfulness, and creativity. In partnership with Mental Health America (MHA), SOULEX float spa is excited to host a DIY Bath Salts Charity Workshop. The evening will open with a discussion lead by a representative from Mental Health America. Then we will guide you through a brief meditation to set your mind into a state of calm. The remainder of our evening will be dedicated to creativity. We will provide all the attendees with a portion of bath salt and a myriad of dried herbs, florals, and essential oils to infuse into your very own take-home bath salts. Proceeds will go to help Mental Health America on their mission to spread mental health awareness and aid across the country. 100% of ticket sales will be donated to Mental Health America. Attendees will be able to purchase promotional pricing on float packages that evening in which 30% of the total sales will be donated to Mental Health America.
How: Tickets are $10 available here
On Sunday, December 2, 2018 at 3:30pm, German-born composer, vocalist, and internationally renowned theremin virtuoso Carolina Eyck and the American Contemporary Music Ensemble (ACME) will perform presented by the National Gallery of Art in the West Building, West Garden Court (entrance at Sixth Street and Constitution Avenue). Doors open to the public at 3pm, and admission is free.
Eyck and ACME will give the Washington, DC premiere of Eyck’s Fantasias for theremin and string quartet, and Eyck will perform her solo songs Music on a Painting and Delphic. The program includes composer and The National guitarist Bryce Dessner’s Little Blue Something for string quartet, performed by ACME, and will feature improvised selections by Eyck and ACME cellist and artistic director Clarice Jensen. In addition to Jensen, the ACME players for this concert are Ben Russell, violin; Keats Dieffenbach, violin; and Isabel Hagen, viola.
Fantasias was released to critical acclaim on Butterscotch Records in 2016. For the project, Eyck composed six minimalist-inspired string quartet pieces, over which she improvises a solo theremin part. With these pieces, Eyck strives to “sonically investigate the interplay between nature and human imagination.” Eyck’s musically daring and physically challenging compositions defy easy classification, while her uncanny mastery of the theremin and use of electronic effects bring an authentically fresh sonic pallet to the forefront. Her Fantasias range from slow-evolving arpeggiations reminiscent of Reich and Glass, to alternative bowing and fingering techniques that achieve an ethereal ambience, to athletic explorations reminiscent of Bartók’s String Quartets.
Eyck’s striking theremin performances showcase her dead-aim intonation, her command of microtonality, her fluid melodicism, and her lack of self-consciousness as an improvisor. This latter quality is no accident, as Eyck has practiced improvisation for years, and has even studied techniques typically aimed at athletes for entering flow-states and shutting down critical inner dialogue.
Since making her debut in the Berlin Philharmonie, Carolina Eyck has been invited to perform all over the world. The BBC World Service proclaims, “Carolina Eyck is one of the world’s leading theremin players … and is a pioneer of this relatively new instrument,” and Cicero calls her the “queen of the theremin.” She was a winner of the 2015 ECHO-Classic prize in Germany for Concert Recording of the Year (Music 20./21.Century), and her book The Art of Playing the Theremin (written when she was 17) teaches the theremin technique she developed at age 14.
Avoid letting winter wreak havoc on your skin, and head to Aura Spa. The popular day spa is hosting a Winter Wonderland Mixer at its U Street location, promising an evening of pampering on Wednesday, December 5 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at1612 U St NW, Washington, D.C. Complimentary cranberry mimosas and holiday themed desserts will be served throughout the evening.
Guests are invited to sample various spa products and enjoy a refreshing night with free chair massages and skin analyses by expert Aura Spa estheticians. Aura Spa and Bang Salon swag bags will be provided, and attendees who pre-book spa services at the event will receive 15 percent off. All GM Collin skincare and retail products will be 25 percent off. Guests will also be entered into a raffle to win an assortment of Aura Spa products. This event is free and open to the public. Please RSVP to Elaine@vidafitness.com, and for more information on Aura Spa, visit www.auraspa.net.
WHO: Aura Spa – U Street
WHAT: Winter Wonderland Mixer
Complimentary Cranberry Mimosas & Festive Desserts
Complimentary Skin Analyses & Chair Massages
15 percent off all spa services when pre-booked at the event
WHEN: Wednesday, December 5th
6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
WHERE: Aura Spa – U Street
1612 U St NW
Washington, DC 20005
RSVP: Guests may RSVP to Elaine@vidafitness.com
Put some rock in your Christmas stocking! Join Suspicious Package and friends on Thursday December 6 for a holiday jam at Tropicalia bar 14th and U St NW, 7pm bar, 8pm concert. Hope to see you for drinks, tunes and holiday cheer!
Suspicious Package Holiday Party
Thursday December 6 2018
Tropicalia 2001 14th St NW WDC
Metro: U St
7pm bar
8pm show
The contents of Suspicious Package are:
Tim Burger * Bryan Greene * Josh Meyer * Christina Sevilla * Tom Toles
Hanukkah Latke Brunch / eat.YOGA.drink. @ City Tap Dupont – Sunday, December 9
Visit City Tap Dupont on December 9 for a special Hanukkah iteration of their weekend brunch, featuring platters of latkes served with sour cream and applesauce for $8 as well as featured beers from Shmaltz Brewing. Stick around after grabbing an early brunch for a 12pm eat.YOGA.drink. instructor-led vinyasa class in City Tap Dupont’s private room. Tickets are $20 and include the class, small bites afterward, and an alcoholic drink of your choice. Make reservations for brunch and purchase tickets to the eat.YOGA.drink. class at www.citytap.com/location/
Let your cocktails and your yoga practice flow this holiday season with VIDA Fitness. On Tuesday, December 11 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., VIDA Fitness will host a public Chaturanga & Cocktails event at District Distilling to benefit Thrive DC – a local nonprofit dedicated to ending and preventing homelessness in DC. For the first hour of the night, VIDA instructor Alexandra Chili will lead a yoga flow. After the yoga session, guests will try skinny versions of District Distillery cocktails, as well as a special VIDA cocktail menu that features health-conscience beverages. The money raised that night will benefit Thrive DC, who can provide much-needed clothing and supplies to DC’s homeless community. To reserve your place at VIDA’s Chaturanga & Cocktails, make at least a $5 donation to Thrive DC by visiting http://www.thrivedc.org/vidayoga.
WHO: VIDA Fitness, District Distillery & Thrive DC
WHAT: Chaturanga & Cocktails
VIDA Instructor Alexandra Chili will lead yoga flow
Sample healthy cocktail samples and special VIDA cocktail menu
$5 dollar or greater donation to Thrive DC holds your spot and benefits those in need
Please bring your own mat
Reserve your spot here: http://www.thrivedc.org/vidayoga
WHEN: Tuesday, December 11
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
WHERE: District Distillery
1414 U Street NW
Washington, DC 20009
VIDA Fitness is relieving the DC area of gift-giving anxiety by bringing fun, local retailers into their studios for a Holiday Bazaar this December. The Holiday Bazaar will be open to the public on Wednesday, December 12 at VIDA’s City Vista location and again on Thursday, December 13 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at VIDA’s U Street location. Retailers include District Distillery, District of Clothing, Dani Marie Artistry, Prescription Chicken, LuLaroe, Grape Intentions, Freres Branchiaux, Milk Bar,Snowing in Space Coffee, Metal and Stone Creations and Bicycle Trash. All local merchants will provide a discount and distribute free samples.
WHO: VIDA Fitness
Vendors Include:
- District Distillery
- District of Clothing
- Prescription Chicken
- LuLaroe
- Grape Intentions
- Freres Branchiaux
- Milk Bar
- Snowing in Space Coffee
- Metal and Stone Creations
- Bicycle Trash
WHAT: Holiday Bazar
Register: vidafitness.com/bazaar
WHEN: VIDA – City Vista
Wednesday, December 12
5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
The National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) will return to D.C.’s hottest entertainment venue, The Anthem, for a special, one-night-only holiday concert, presented by I.M.P. on Wednesday, December 12 at 8 p.m. Tickets for National Symphony Orchestra: Holidays at The Anthem are $15, $25 and $35, and can be purchased at The Anthem Box Office, online, and via phone at 1.877.4FLY.TIX.
After its debut appearance at The Anthem last fall, the NSO returns to collaborate with this award-winning new venue at The Wharf for a concert of seasonal favorites including music from The Nutcracker, Greensleeves, and “Carol of the Bells,” as well as an audience sing along, featuring “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “Frosty, the Snowman,” “Here Comes Santa Claus,” “Jingle Bells” and more. Nicholas Hersh conducts. As always, The Anthem will feature a full bar and food for purchase.
Concert details follow:
Wednesday, December 12, 2018, at 8 p.m.; doors open at 6 :30 p.m.
The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street, SW, Washington, D.C.
NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Nicholas Hersh, conductor
Anderson A Christmas Festival
Waldteufel Skater’s Waltz
Vaughn Williams Fantasia on “Greensleeves”
Herbert Babes in Toyland
Prokofiev “Troika” from Lt. Kije Suite
Tchaikovsky Selections from The Nutcracker
Overture
Marche
Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies
Trepak
Waltz of the Flowers
Humperdinck Dream Pantomime from Hansel and Gretel
Hayman Carol of the Bells
Various Jingle Jangle Singalong
TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets ($15, $25, $35) are available at the Anthem Box Office, online, and via phone at 1.877.4FLY.TIX.
ABOUT THE NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
The 2018–2019 season marks the National Symphony Orchestra’s 88th, and Gianandrea Noseda’s second as its music director. The Italian conductor serves as the Orchestra’s seventh music director, joining the NSO’s legacy of distinguished leaders. Its artistic leadership also includes Principal Pops Conductor Steven Reineke and Artistic Advisor Ben Folds.
Founded in 1931, the Orchestra has always been committed to artistic excellence and music education. In 1986, the National Symphony became an artistic affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, where it performs year-round. The NSO’s community engagement projects are nationally recognized, including NSO In Your Neighborhood, an annual week of approximately 50 performances in schools, churches, community centers, and other unexpected venues; Notes of Honor, which offers free performances for active, veteran, prior service, and retired members of the military and their families; and Sound Health, a collaboration with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and its affiliated organizations. Career development opportunities for young musicians include the NSO Youth Fellowship Program and its tuition-free Summer Music Institute. For more information, visit nationalsymphony.org.
