The Cowichan Performing Arts Centre gives the gift of an array of some motley merry events this December with something that is sure to ignite the spark of the Christmas spirit in all arts enthusiasts. From getting your kicks with Canada's Best Karate Christmas Concert to Christmas classics such as A Christmas Carol and The Nutcracker, to Harps, Buddy Holly and a night at the movies with Beethoven and even some Celtic Christmas cheer, it's all there. One thing is for sure, the magic of Christmas is in the air.
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Hi-Ya! On Dec.1, at 3 p.m., the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre kicks off this festive month with Canada's Best Karate Christmas Concert. This family event packs a punch where friends and relatives of students are invited to the perform. This annual event is sure to give you your kicks with the tricks and special demos the black belts have in store this year. Tickets are $25.
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On Dec. 6, let it be all about that brass, as the Cowichan Symphony Society brings the gift of Canadian Brass. This band, which has earned the reputation as one of the most popular brass ensembles today, will be Making Spirits Bright on the CPAC stage at 8 p.m.
Canadian Brass consists of Joe Burgstaller and Mikio Sasaki on trumpet, Jeff Nelsen on horn, Keith Dyrda on trombone, and Chuck Daellenbach on tuba. With a discography of more than 135 albums, their concerts exhibit a full range of musical styles, from trademark Baroque and Dixieland tunes, to Bach, Handel, Vivaldi, Joplin, Gershwin and Ellington to ballet, opera and new compositions and arrangements created especially for them. Their most recent album, Canadiana, features unique arrangements of many Canadian superstars including Joni Mitchell and Drake. Regular priced tickets are $75, or $30 for students and children.
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On Dec. 7, get cracking down to the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre as Judy Hogg's Celtic Rhythm Dancers deliver some Celtic Christmas cheer with A Nutcrackin' Christmas. Come watch dancers of all ages and genres put their best foot forward this festive season as they grace the stage at 2 p.m. Tickets are $24.
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On Dec. 8, at 3 p.m., fall in love with the magic of the season as multi-award-winning vocalist, pianist and songwriter Laila Biali brings Wintersongs & Holiday Classics to the CPAC stage as she tours across Canada. In support of her highly-anticipated new album, Biali gives the gift of winter-inspired original music alongside arrangements of secular and sacred classics featuring fellow Juno winner and Grammy nominee Jane Bunnett on strings as well as other special guests. Tickets are $38.
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Keep it real with Reel Alternatives on Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. as they present the drama Beethoven's Nine: Ode to Humanity. Dress up to the nines and experience a night at the movies in style. Beethoven’s renowned Ninth Symphony celebrates freedom and humanity, and resonates across time through performances commemorating pivotal events, revealing the work’s profound cultural impact and timeless expression of resilience. Tickets are $17.
Concession will be available and all proceeds will go directly to benefiting individuals and families in Cowichan through Cowichan Hospice by ensuring hospice services are available when they need them.
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On Dec.11 at 7:30 p.m. it's time to get festive friends, so be sure to spend it with your favourite Buddy. Zachary Stevenson is once again donning the horn rimmed glasses for the special holiday event Buddy’s Holly Jolly Christmas. Stevenson will be joined by the Chicago-based trio The Lovettes who bring their salute to the female icons and girl groups of the 1950s and '60s. They're all backed by the Legends All-Star Band. Tickets are $62.
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Christmas nuts, will want to dance their way down to the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre on Dec. 14 for two afternoon performances of the beloved ballet The Nutcracker. The Royal City Youth Ballet gives two matinee performances of its production of this holiday favourite featuring Tchaikovsky’s timeless score.
Get whisked away to Christmas Eve, when Drosselmeyer, the godfather to Clara, brings gifts and magic to her parents’ home for the annual Christmas party. His special gift to Clara is a large Nutcracker soldier. When she falls asleep after the party, Clara is cradling the Nutcracker in her arms and begins to dream.
This dream ballet will feature a cast of more than 100 dancers under the direction of Keitha Campeau to Tchaikovsky’s music performed by Peter Ilyich all while amidst sets designed by Jean Claude Olivier and in their vibrant costumes by Chris Sinosich. Matinees begin a noon and 4 p.m., regular price tickets are $38, $32 for seniors, and $20 for children and students with a special family rate of $90. Family pricing is only available by phone or in person.
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On Dec. 15, at 2 p.m., string in the spirit with the Winter Harp Ensemble. Take a hold of the holiday season with glorious music and song combined with festive stories to warm your heart and wrap you in the Christmas spirit.
Get transported to another time and place as Winter Harp pulls out all the stops with a performance including velvet gowns, golden instruments, candles, and backdrops of cathedrals and snow as the sounds of classical and Celtic harps, flutes and other rare medieval instruments, along with percussion, poetry and song envelop you in the silken cloak of Christmas. Enjoy an afternoon of familiar carols, along with songs both ancient and rare to celebrate the season. Tickets are $38, $35 for seniors, $10 for students, and special family packages sell for $90 which can only be purchased by phone or in person.
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On Dec. 20 and 21, let the Cowichan Musical Society give you the enchanting experience of the Charles Dickens classic A Christmas Carol produced by Gregg Perry and Irwin Killam.
Featuring local artists and choirs this festive performance is sure to get even the biggest Scrooge into the Christmas Spirit. There will be a Friday evening performance on Dec. 20 at 6:30 p.m., along with a 2 p.m. matinee on Dec. 21. Tickets are $39 or $29 for children. All proceeds will go back to the Cowichan Performing Arts Foundation.
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To purchase tickets for shows, go to cowichanpac.ca or call the Cowichan Ticket Centre at 250-746-2722, or visit in person in the lobby of the Cowichan Community Centre on James St. in Duncan.
