5 Fa La La Fantastic Portland Holiday Concerts

PORTLAND, OR — This holiday season, the Oregon Symphony, Portland Chamber Orchestra and Choral Arts Ensemble of Portland are all getting in the holiday spirit, bringing such classic works as Sebastian Bach's Christmas Oratorio and Handel's "Messiah" to Portland. There's also a free caroling competition and the 18th annual Gospel Christmas show.

• The 3rd Annual Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition is taking place at Pioneer Courthouse Square again this this. The Caroling Competition brings caroling groups of all ages to downtown Portland. The event takes place rain or shine on Friday Dec. 9 at 5:30 p.m. Admission is free.

• Oregon Symphony's Gospel Christmas is an 18-year tradition featuring the region's best gospel singers along with the Oregon Symphony Orchestra. Many of your favorite holiday songs will be featured and it's a great event for the entire family. Charles Floyd will be conducting the Northwest Community Gospel Choir.

• The Portland Chamber Orchestra presents Handel's "Messiah" this December with four separate performances on Dec. 14, 16, 17 and 18. The concert features the Resonance Ensemble and soloists directed by Katherine Fitzgibbon. Traditional carols will also be performed in addition to Handle's "Messiah."

• Welcome, Yule! from the Choral Arts Ensemble of Portland is based on an anonymous 15th-century text set by English computer Hubert Parry, inspiring this holiday concert series. Both old and new songs will be performed, helping celebrate the season with works by Ola Gjeilo, Arvo Pärt, Giovanni Gabrieli, Libby Larsen and Joshua Shank. The concert takes place at the Lincoln Recital Hall, Room 75 at Portland State University on Dec. 17 and 18.

• The Bach Cantata Choir Baroque Holiday Concert will be a fun holiday event at the Rose City Park Presbyterian Church in Portland. Look for Sebastian Bach's Christmas Oratorio, Vivaldi's "Winter" and "The Four Seasons," as well as Vergin's Two Medieval Christmas Carols. Conductor Emma Mildred Riggle will be leading the concert, taking place on Dec. 16 at 7:30 p.m.

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