Arts in the city: Voices unite for Christmas

• The Choir of London… here for the “Christmas Oratorio”

  THE Australian Chamber Orchestra, joined by the Choir of London and a collection of world-class choral singers and soloists, wraps up the year with Bach’s “Christmas Oratorio”, on December 15. We hear the head of the ANU School of Music, Peter Tregear, used to sing with the choir. Bookings to aco.com.au/whats_on/events

• DON and Bev Aitkin’s 629th Centenary “Musical Offering” will be a Christmas concert in the foyer of the High Court, 2pm-3.30pm, on Sunday, December 15. Renowned Canberra singers Louise Page (soprano) and Christina Wilson (mezzo-soprano) will be joined by Phillipa Candy (keyboard), The Resonants and the Trumpet Club led by Zach Raffan.

• TERTIARY dance students from across Australia and NZ have descended on QL2 for an annual workshop due to culminate in eight bite-sized works on show at QL2 Theatre, Gorman House Arts Centre, on December 14 and 15, bookings to QL2.org.au

• RECENTLY around $10,000 of equipment was stolen from the Dante Musica Viva choir, established in 2004 to share the members’ love of Italian language and culture. Musical director Francesco Sofo says they’re devastated, but will plan a fundraising concert in the New Year to make up the loss.

• ALEXINA Hawkins (viola), who plays on an amazing 19th century G. Ceruti viola, will join pianist Adam Cook for a recital at Wesley Music Centre on December 18. As well as playing Bach, Hindemith and Debussy, they will perform Canberra-trained composer Sam Smith’s new piece “Between Shapes Luminous and Vague” Bookings to trybooking.com/DYXJ or tickets at the door.

• UC design graduate Katey Baddeley is best known for her equine drawings. Now she’s holding a crowd-funded launch party for her newest range of prints entitled “Sultry Seasons” at 16 Marcus Clarke Street, Civic (near New Acton), 5pm, on Monday, December 16. All welcome.

• HERE’S a rare thing, an arts job. ANCA (Australian National Capital Artists) is looking for a gallery manager, responsible for the operation and management of the ANCA Gallery, and delivery of the exhibition program. Applications close on December 18. Selection criteria and all details from 6247 8736 or office@anca.net.au

• ANNA Sutherland is the recipient of the 2013 Australian Decorative and Fine Arts Society (ADFAS) Canberra, Young Arts Program Award of $1000. The textile artist plans to do a small business course next year and to stage some exhibitions of her own work.

• VERDI’S “Aida”, in a rare, lavish production from Opéra National de Paris, is coming to the big screen at Palace Electric, NewActon, at 1pm on December 20, 21, 22, 23. It’s the tragic operatic tale set in ancient Egypt – we hope there will be elephants! Bookings to 6222 4900.

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