Chicago Philharmonic Bring Music Magic To City Winery With A Heartwarming Rendition Of A Christmas Carol

Celebrating the warmth of the season, the Chicago Philharmonic Chamber Players intertwines holiday themed music with a dramatic rendition of Charles Dickens' classic story of redemption in A Christmas Carol on Sunday, December 9 at City Winery Chicago. Chi Phil invites the audience to escape the holiday bustle for a cozy reading of the story accompanied by music, food, and wine in the West Loop restaurant.

Narrator Frank Babbitt will be joined by mezzo soprano Maureen Davies in her Chicago Philharmonic debut, alongside string quartet players Carmen Llop Kassinger (violin), Lisa Fako (violin), Monica Reilly (viola), and Margaret Daly (cello). Babbitt's narration of Dickens' tale will be accompanied by works including Arcangelo Corelli's "Christmas Concerto", Sara Bareilles' "Love is Christmas", Beethoven's String Quartet No. 4, traditional carols and more.

The spirits of holidays past, present and future have been spreading the message of redemption, kindness and altruism since being published in 1843. Charles Dickens himself started the tradition of dramatic readings of the tale, reading the Christmas Eve adventures of Ebenezer Scrooge, Jacob Marley's Ghost, Tiny Tim and all the beloved characters over 120 times during his lifetime. Hundreds of adaptations have followed, creating a Christmas tradition enjoyed across the world. Let Chicago Philharmonic wish you a Merry Christmas with their own unique version of the famous story.

Doors open at 11:00am and drinks and a buffet brunch will be available for purchase before and during the performance.

A Christmas Carol
Sunday, December 9 2018, 12:00pm
City Winery Chicago
1200 W Randolph

Music selections include
Arcangelo Corelli Concerto Grosso No. 8, "Christmas Concerto"
Sara Bareilles Love is Christmas
Ralph Vaughan-Williams Fantasia on Greensleeves
Jason Robert Brown Christmas Lullaby
Plus traditional Christmas carols and more!

Frank Babbitt narrator
Maureen Davies mezzo-soprano
Carmen Llop Kassinger violin
Lisa Fako violin
Monica Reilly viola
Margaret Daly cello
Approximate running time 1 hour.

2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats

Best Lead Performer in a Musical - Top 3

1. LJ Benet - The Lost Boys, A New Musical

20% of votes

2. Joshua Henry - Ragtime

16.8% of votes

3. Sam Tutty - Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)

9.6% of votes

Vote Now! View Live Stats