GRASS VALLEY, Calif., November 10, 2026 โ Music in the Mountains (MIM) invites the community to gather for a joyous musical celebration of the season at its annual “Happy Holidays” concerts, Saturday, Dec. 12, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 13, at 2 p.m. at The Center for the Arts in Grass Valley.
The MIM Chorus and MIM Orchestra will be joined by two acclaimed Northern California voices: soprano Carrie Hennessey, a favorite of MIM audiences, and tenor Matt Hidalgo, under the batons of Ryan Murray and Ariel May.
A Program Full of Heart and Tradition
Each December, families, longtime patrons and first-time concertgoers come together at the Happy Holidays concerts, one of Nevada County’s most cherished seasonal traditions. The program includes well-known favorites, a stirring rendition of โRejoice Greatlyโ featuring Hennessey and an audience favorite holiday sing-along, all of which are sure to get you and your whole family into the holiday spirit.
Celebrated Guest Artists
Carrie Hennessey is known for her soaring voice and richly nuanced characters onstage. A familiar presence at MIM, she is a member of the Sacramento-based Rogue Music Project and performed at this year’s SummerFest. Hennessey has sung with the Grand Rapids Symphony, Pacific Symphony, Duluth Symphony and Houston Symphony, and at venues across Europe. Her debut in the title role of Janรกฤek’s “Kรกลฅa Kabanovรก” with West Edge Opera earned praise from the San Francisco Chronicle for its “wondrous blend of silvery tone and sinuous phrasing.”
Matt Hidalgo is a light and agile tenor who performs regularly as a soloist throughout the Sacramento region, Nevada and the Bay Area, and sings as an extra chorus member with San Francisco Opera. A competition winner skilled in oratorio, opera and concert music, Hidalgo has performed works by Bach, Mozart, Handel, Haydn, Monteverdi and Saint-Saรซns, as well as Benjamin Britten’s “Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings.” He made his operatic debut with Sacramento Opera in 2015.
Reserve Early
These popular Happy Holidays concerts sell out almost every year, and early ticket reservations are highly recommended.
Event Details
- What: Music in the Mountains “Happy Holidays” Concerts
- When: Saturday, Dec. 12, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 13, at 2 p.m.
- Where: The Center for the Arts, 314 W. Main St., Grass Valley
- Tickets: musicinthemountains.org $15 – $67, free for kids
About Music in the Mountains
Founded in 1982, Music in the Mountains is dedicated to bringing world-class classical music to Nevada County through high-quality musical performances with professional musicians from all over the globe, youth education programs and community engagement. From orchestral concerts and chamber music to choral performances and educational outreach, MIM fosters a vibrant musical culture in the Sierra foothills. Learn more at musicinthemountains.org.
