A more modern

'Messiah'

The trends in performing Handel's great oratorio "Messiah" have been changing, as research revealed that a cast of hundreds takes you further away from the composer's original intent. English conductor Paul McCreesh is one of the leading proponents of a contemporary approach. His penchant for crisp, athletic tempos and lean, incisive singing should draw fresh results from the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and Minnesota Chorale in their presentation of the seasonal masterpiece. (8 p.m. Fri., Basilica of St. Mary, Mpls.; 8 p.m. Sat. and 2 p.m. Sun., Ordway Concert Hall, St. Paul; $15-$53, 651-291-1144, thespco.org)

Seasonal songs

by Minnesotans

Christmas concerts can be predictable in their repertoire, but the Schubert Club's "Songs for the Season" isn't. The program concentrates on works by Minnesota composers, including a world premiere by Timothy C. Takach as well as pieces by Bradley Ellingboe, Abbie Betinis, Bob Dylan and Prince. Performers include soprano Carrie Henneman Shaw and mezzo Laura Betinis Healy. Check out a live stream at schubert.org/songsforthe season. (Noon Thu., Landmark Center, St. Paul; 7 p.m. Thu., TPT Street Space, St. Paul; free, schubert.org).

Cantus for Christmas

No Twin Cities choir outclasses Cantus in the Christmas department. The eight-man vocal ensemble offers an effortless combination of outstanding vocal quality, versatility and winning stage presence. This year's shows mixes new and old, including the group's trademark "Ave Maria" by Biebl. (11 a.m. Thu., MacPhail Center, Mpls.; 7:30 p.m. Fri., Ordway Concert Hall, St. Paul; 7:30 p.m. Sat., Trinity Lutheran Church, Stillwater; 4 p.m. Sun., Fridley District Auditorium, Fridley; $10-$40, 612-435-0055, ­cantussings.org)

Brassy holidays

There's something about the warm glow of harmoniously blended brass instruments that seems particularly suited to the holidays. Minneapolis quintet Copper Street Brass gets the holiday moving with a wide variety of seasonal selections including favorites from television and movies. (11 a.m. Thu., Hennepin Avenue Methodist Church, Mpls.; 7:30 p.m. Fri., Trinity Lutheran Church, Stillwater; 8 p.m. Sat., Arlington Hills Methodist Church, Maplewood; $10-$20, csbq.org)

Ancient celebrations

The Rose Ensemble's "A Rose in Winter" program transports listeners to an era when Christmas was less fraught with material pressures. Unwind to a selection of classic choral music from the medieval and renaissance periods. (7:30 p.m. Thu., Sacred Heart Music Center, Duluth; 8 p.m. Fri., Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church, St. Paul; 8 p.m. Sat., Basilica of St. Mary, Mpls.; 3 p.m. Sun., Christ the King Lutheran Church, Bloomington; $10-$38, ­roseensemble.org)

The Rose Ensemble presents “A Rose in Winter.”

TERRY BLAIN