A 17th-century holiday celebration

Classical Praetorius Christmas Vespers Dec. 14, 15 and 16, Trinity-St. Paul’s Centre

The Toronto Consort, an ensemble specializing in medieval and renaissance music, brings cornetti, sackbuts and theorbos into the orchestral instrument mix. More festive than solemn, their holiday show is an imagined recreation of a Christmas vespers service directed by the 17th-century German composer Michael Praetorius, with music emanating from the balconies, as well as the stage. Later, the audience and band join forces to sing along to some early Christmas carols.