Vienna, Festival of Trees and a sojourn in London

ESO’S VIENNESE FAVOURITES

Part of the Traditional Classics series, conductor Alexander Prior leads us through dances and operettas from Vienna’s glittering 19th century, excerpts of inspirational Bach and a moving Christmas Oratorio in a lively blend of sacred and secular music. Featured composers also include Haydn via Brahms, Strauss the Younger and Richard Strauss’ “Seien wir wieder gut!” (Ariadne auf Naxos). Featured performers include mezzo-soprano Catherine Daniel and flautist Elizabeth Koch.

Details: 7:30 p.m. at Winspear Centre (4 Sir Winston Churchill Sq.), $24 and up at winspearcentre.com

FESTIVAL OF TREES

Launching its 33rd annual edition Thursday, stroll through Festival of Trees’ decorated Christmas trees, festive gingerbreads and cakes, the Children’s Christmas Lane and while you’re there purchase homemade baked goods. Your support helps fund advanced CT scanning technology for the Brain Centre at the

U of A Hospital. Check out various events online at festivaloftrees.ca, running through Dec. 2.

Details: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. at Shaw Conference Centre (9797 Jasper Ave.), $10 adult admission at festivaloftrees.ca

FALLING FOR LONDON

A Cautionary Tale book reading: Remember CFRN’s Sean Mallen? After years abroad he’s back in Edmonton for his book launch. “It’s a different kind of reporter’s memoir,” he explains. He’d landed a dream job in London, but there was a catch — his wife and six-year-old daughter really didn’t want to drop their entire lives. “In fact, as I was headed to the taxi to fly to London, my wife gave me a journal and said: ‘If you’re going to put us through this, you’d better write a book.’”

“In the book I give a glimpse into the lives of ‘trailing spouses,’ and share anecdotes about some of the stories I covered, including the Royal Wedding of William and Kate, the Arab Spring and the wreck of the Costa Concordia.”

Details: 7 p.m. at Audreys Books (10702 Jasper Ave.), no charge