December Highlights: A Season of Storytelling ARTIS – NAPLES 24-25 SEASON

Ben Folds

It is going to be a December to remember for art and music lovers in Naples. This month, Artis—Naples season theme of Storytelling takes center stage with a slate of captivating musical performances, the first Broadway show of the season and a groundbreaking exhibition in The Baker Museum that demands to be seen and heard.

Leading the month’s highlights is the opening of Rafael Lozano-Hemmer: Obra Sonora. Opening on December 7 with a corresponding artist talk and panel discussion on the same day, this innovative exhibition blends art, science, architecture and cutting edge technology to explore intricate narratives through classical music, national anthems and diverse soundscapes. Obra Sonora invites visitors to experience sounds in a whole new way. Meanwhile, current exhibitions continue in the museum’s galleries, including Becky Suss: The Dutch House, Alex Katz: Theater and Dance and Florida Contemporary 2024-25.

Naples Philharmonic Chorus perform Handel’s Messiah

In Hayes Hall, the Naples Philharmonic heats up two cool December nights with its third Masterworks presentation of the season: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, featuring Mendelssohn’s enchanting score alongside scenes from Shakespeare’s whimsical play, all under the baton of Artistic and Music Director Alexander Shelley. The program, scheduled for December 13-14, also features the world premiere of Meilina Tsui’s Florida Symphony, while Artis—Naples Artistic Partner James Ehnes performs Mendelssohn’s lyrical Violin Concerto. Of course, December wouldn’t be complete without holiday programming. On December 1, Naples Ballet and the Naples Philharmonic present two magical performances of The Nutcracker. The following week, the orchestra delivers two performances of Handel’s Messiah on December 7-8. And rounding out the festive season, the Naples Philharmonic’s annual Holiday Pops features a blend of beloved classics and contemporary hits on December 19-22.

If those holiday music events still don’t fill you with enough yuletide cheer, several artists visiting in December will certainly help. Dave Koz & Friends bring their jazz infused Christmas tour to Hayes Hall on December 2. Singer songwriter Ben Folds joins the Naples Philharmonic on December 4 for a genre defying evening of pop, rock and classical music, while Under the Streetlamp offers a doowop twist on holiday favorites and beyond on December 8. Closing out the month’s performances, Broadway’s Some Like It Hot, winner of four Tony Awards, brings the iconic 1959 film to life onstage in Hayes Hall with performances on December 24, 26 and 27-29.

FEATURED PHOTO: James Ehnes with the Naples Philharmonic

Becky Suss: The Dutch House exhibition installation

Holiday Pops vocalist
Morgan James