Critic’s Choice

Thu Dec 03, 2009 at 2:44 am

By Lawrence A. Johnson

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There are few more venerable Chicago holiday traditions than the William Ferris Chorale’s Christmas concert.  Marking its 38th season, this year’s program is a typically discerning  mix with Paul French leading the singers in Bob Chilcott’s Advent Antiphons and Ave Rex by William Mathias, along with traditional carols and selections. Note: With Our Lady of Mount Carmel slated for restoration in early 2010, this will be the Chorale’s final season event at the church that has been its home for the past 23 years. Concert time is 8 p.m. Friday at 708 W. Belmont. www.williamferrischorale.org; 773-325-2000.

Also notable this week: the Lyric Opera of Chicago opens its production of Franz Lehar’s operetta perennial, The Merry Widow, starring Elizabeth Futral and Roger Honeywell Saturday night; the Callisto Ensemble offers the local premiere of Brett Dean’s Poems and Prayers Tuesday; and eighth blackbird serves up Schoenberg’s  Pierrot Lunaire along with works of Berg and George Perle Wednesday at the Harris Theater. See calendar for details.

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