Anne Arundel annual Christmas performances going online, a virtual fashion show and more
This holiday season is decidedly less cheery in the face of the surging coronavirus pandemic that is leading tomore closures of businesses, theaters and art performances. Despite the distance from friends and family, there are still happy ways to connect and enjoy holiday traditions.
Annapolis Symphony Orchestra online shows
Annapolis SymphonyOrchestra is offering 12 days of music to the public after the winter series was canceled. “12 Musical Days of ASO” startsMonday through Dec. 25 with daily performances of full orchestral movements, special solo pieces and jazz versions of holiday music. The free performances can be accessed by signing up at annapolissymphony.org/ holiday harmony.
ASO is also having an online Beethoven BirthdayBash on Dec. 18 featuring the first three movements of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony plus the Leonore 3 Overture by the ASO at Strathmore with conductor José-LuisNovo. Tickets are $50.
AMFMAnnapolis Christmas Show
Annapolis Musicians Fund for Musicians is streaming its 22nd annual “AMFM Annapolis Christmas Show” in two free online programs onMonday and Tuesday. The two pre-recorded performances by area musicians will be streamed on AMFM’s YouTube channel and found on theirwebsite, am-fm.org.
A number of recordings were filmed under COVID-19 protocols at Rams Head On Stage, which “was essential in capturing the spirit and atmosphere of the past 21 Christmas shows that were performed there ,” said Matt M cC on ville, founder and president of AMFM.
Naval Academy Band
TheUnited StatesNaval Academy Band will present their traditional “Holiday by the Bay” concert on Facebook Live at 7 p.m. Friday.
The program features several Naval Academy Band ensembles and soloists performing “amulticultural mix of holiday favorites in various styles.” Superintendent of the Naval Academy, Vice Adm. Sean Buck, will introduce the program.
Ballet Theater ofMaryland drive-thru performance
Ballet Theater of Maryland is adapting its annual “The Nutcracker” performance for a drive-thru show at Annapolis Town Center’s drive-in movie lot. Guests can view the show from their car or watch from a livestream at home. The drive-thru shows start at 2 and 6:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The livestream shows are at 2 and 6:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and the following Saturday, Dec. 19, and Sunday, Dec. 20. Tickets are $54 for the drive-in and $23 for the online show. Tickets can be purchased at balletmaryland.org.
Virtual Fashion Show
One Annapolis Virtual Fashion Show is raising funds for local nonprofits, including She’s Inc, Co-op Arundel, Center De Ayuda, Annapolis Immigration Network and The Street AngelProject. The fashionfilled show and silent auction will be livestreamed from 6 to 8 p.m. from BowmanTheatre atMarylandHall. Reservations can be made at eventbrite.com.
AnnapolisMayor Gavin Buckley will be in attendance flashing a velvet jacket, he said.
Wreath decorating contest
Anne A run del Chamber of Commerce is “Keepin’ the Cheer Here” with a wreath decorating contest to support small businesses and raise money for the Anne A run del County Food Bank. Fourteen local businesses, including Zachary’s Jewelers, Historic Annapolis, Hilton Garden Inn, and others, are participating in the contest that will end in a display of all the wreaths at the Westfield Annapolis mall on Monday and Tuesday.
The wreaths are currently on display at the participating businesses and can be seen on the chamber’s website or Facebook page. Online raffle tickets can be purchased for a chance to win your favorite wreath. A panel of judges will select several “best of class” wreaths during a Facebook Live event from Westfield Annapolis at 5 p.m. Wednesday. The raffle is open to the public, and tickets are $10 for one ticket, $20 for three tickets and $40 for six tickets. To see the wreaths or purchase tickets, go to the chamber’s website at annearundelchamber.org.
Free museum admission
The Maryland Center for History and Culture is offering safe, educational experiences for people of all ages to learn about Maryland andU.S. history this season. The museum is open for free for private or family tours Saturday to view the museum’s newest exhibitions, including Spectrum of Fashion, Flickering Treasures: Rediscovering Baltimore’s ForgottenMovie Theaters and Wild and Untamed: Dunton’s Discovery of the Baltimore Album Quilts. Each of these feature touch-free technology. Reservations can be made online at mdhistory.org.