arts & entertainment

As we usher in the most beautiful time of the year, the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra is proud to present two exceptional artists in a free recital: Cantique de Noel will feature international songs of Christmas on Sunday, November 16 at 3:00 PM, at First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach, 520 Royal Palm Boulevard, 32960.

American soprano, Mary Anne Kruger will be accompanied by celebrated Vero Beach pianist Jacob Craig in a program of the most cherished melodies from around the world, performed in their original languages. 

The audience will experience the reverent power of “Cantique de Noël” in its native French, and the hushed, tranquil beauty of “Stille Nacht” in the original German. This special recital will pay tribute to the American tradition of Christmas in song, including the classic “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” written during wartime for soldiers longing for home. The program also includes beloved works such as Gounod’s “Ave Maria,”Handel’s joyful “Rejoice greatly” from Messiah,Chaminade’s enchanting “Noël des Oiseaux,”Franck’s famed setting of “Panis Angelicus”and many more.

Jacob Craig will also delight the audience with his piano stylings of “Coventry Carol,” “Five International Carols” and a “Christmas Collage.” Admission to Cantique de Noel is free of charge. A $20 donation is suggested to help defray the production costs of free community concerts. For more information about Cantique de Noel, call 855-252-7276 or visit www.SpaceCoastSymphony.org.   

From snow-dusted cathedrals to quiet, candlelit homes, the sacred sounds of Christmas have traveled across continents and through generations, weaving a tapestry of warmth and hope. Aaron T. Collins, Artistic Director of the Space Coast Symphony, is delighted to present Cantique de Noel as a free gift to the community.

“This truly is a beautiful time of year,” said Collins. “Across every composition, every language, and every tradition, one message remains constant: peace on earth and goodwill toward all.” 

Upcoming programs through 2025 include a John Denver tribute concert and orchestra fundraiser on November 22 in Vero Beach; Jingle, a Big Band Holiday Spectacular by the SCSO Jazz Orchestra on November 29 (Satellite Beach) & 30 (Vero Beach); a Messiah Sing-Along December 5 in Indialantic; Hooray for Hollywood: the Sequel, on December 13 (Cocoa Beach) & 14 (Vero Beach); and Sleeping Beauty with the International Ballet Stars troupe December 28 at the King Center in Melbourne.

The Space Coast Symphony Orchestra is one of only a handful of U.S. orchestras to perform year-round. Concertgoers aged 18 and under or with a college ID are admitted free to every SCSO concert. For more information about the Space Coast Symphony 2025-26 season or the Symphony for Everyone ticket program, visit SpaceCoastSymphony.org or call (855) 252-7276.