It’s the most wonderful time of the year at the Wisconsin Union Theater! We’re thrilled to present three one-of-a-kind performances to brighten your holiday season.
From the rich, iconic brass sounds of Canadian Brass and the Isaiah J. Thompson Quartet’s soulful jazz tribute to “A Charlie Brown Christmas” to the gorgeous, intimate harmonies of Aoife O'Donovan and Chris Thile, there's something for everyone.
Explore the lineup below and find your perfect way to celebrate the season with us!
Canadian Brass
Friday, Dec. 4 | 7:30 p.m.
Memorial Union | Shannon Hall
For fans of:
- Louis Armstrong
- Chamber music
- Holiday brass arrangements
- Classical brass
- Traditional Christmas carols
- Classical orchestral music
- “Carol of the Bells”
- “The Nutcracker”
Canadian Brass kicks off our three holiday performances with its acclaimed seasonal concert. Its show blends festive favorites, including “Carol of the Bells” and “Amazing Grace,” with classical gems like Frescobaldi’s Toccata and Mozart’s Overture to “The Magic Flute,” all performed exclusively on brass instruments.
Come experience a performance guaranteed to bring warmth and joy to your holiday season.
“Nothing proclaims celebration and festivity like the sound of brass instruments. And if those instruments are played by Canadian Brass, there is even greater cause for celebration.” -Toronto Star
A Guaraldi Holiday
Featuring the Isaiah J. Thompson Quartet
Saturday, Dec. 5 | 7:30 p.m.
Memorial Union | Play Circle Theater
For fans of:
- Music from the 1965 animated special, “A Charlie Brown Christmas”
- Vince Guaraldi
- Holiday jazz
- Nostalgic Christmas classics
- Cozy winter traditions
- Classic Peanuts TV specials
- “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”
- Jazz piano quartets
Up next, the Isaiah J. Thompson Quartet lifts the spirit with a holiday jazz concert honoring Vince Guaraldi’s beloved score for “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” The performance celebrates music that introduced jazz to generations of music lovers and became a soundtrack to childhood. Guaraldi’s compositions radiate nostalgia, anchored by signature melodies like "Linus and Lucy" and the enduring holiday standard "Christmas Time Is Here." It’s a timeless sound that instantly brings back the magic and warmth of the holiday season
“To this day, any time I hear ‘Christmas Time Is Here,’ ‘Thanksgiving Theme,’ or ‘Linus and Lucy,’ I’m reminded how much Guaraldi’s music has shaped who I am today,” Thompson said. “The holidays carry so many of my most precious memories, and I can’t imagine them without Guaraldi.”
Wassail! A Holiday Celebration with Aoife O'Donovan & Chris Thile
Thursday, Dec. 10 | 7:30 p.m.
Memorial Union | Shannon Hall
For fans of:
- Contemporary folk
- Acoustic strings
- Punch Brothers
- The band, I’m With Her
- Traditional Christmas carols
- Smooth harmonies
- Folk-inspired holiday music
- “The Wexford Carol”
Finally, celebrate the season with Grammy Award–winning artists Aoife O'Donovan and Chris Thile. In “Wassail!,” the duo brings treasured holiday songs to life with spellbinding harmonies, joyful musicality, and abundant good cheer.
Expect never-before-released original songs, fresh takes on beloved classics, and personal stories from the two longtime collaborators behind “The Goat Rodeo Sessions” and “Not Our First Goat Rodeo (2020).”
As Thile said, “One of the very few things I love more than Christmas is making music with Aoife O’Donovan.”
Join us for collaborative storytelling and festive seasonal cheer with the Wisconsin Union Theater.
These three special evenings promise warmth, nostalgia and joy this December. Gather your friends and family, secure your seats and make world-class live music part of your holiday traditions. We can't wait to celebrate with you!