Tickets are available for a Christmas concert at The Art House tomorrow (Friday 2 December) for what is the very first Christmas concert at the new $12.7 million venue.

Opened in May, The Art House is slated to be the new premiere arts venue for the Coast, and an array of national performers are on the calendar for 2017, including comedian and television personality Kitty Flanagan and country singer Darren Coggan.

Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said it was exciting to be able to celebrate Christmas at The Art House.

“Christmas is a magical time, especially for children and we’re thrilled there are some wonderful concerts planned to celebrate The Art House’s very first festive season.”

Led by Green Point resident Mrs Karina Moss-Hollands, the Concertante Ensemble has been running for more than 10 years and comprises string players from the Sydney Symphony and beyond.

Listen in awe as the group performs the magical Christmas Concerto by Corelli.

“The Pastoral movement is one of the best known movements of its kind alongside the pastorals from Handel’s Messiah and Bach’s Christmas Oratorio,” Mrs Moss-Hollands said.

“One would not expect more glorious music in Heaven!”

The Christmas Concerto was commissioned by Cardinal Pietro Ottoboni and published posthumously in 1714 as part of Corellis’ Twelve concerti grossi, Op. 6.

The concerto bears the inscription Fatto per la notte di Natale (made for the night of Christmas).

Its composition date is uncertain, but there is a record of Corelli having performed a Christmas concerto in 1690 for the enjoyment of his new patron.

The program also includes Tchaikovsky’s String Serenade Waltz, Copland’s ‘Hoe Down’, Vivaldi’s Concerto ‘Alla Rustica’ and Schnittke’s fun ‘Polka’ for Strings.

On 23 December at The Art Wyong a special production of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Ballet will be performed at 2pm.

'Play me a Story...The Nutcracker' combines exquisite violin playing, storytelling, illustrations and dance to tell the much loved story of a tender hearted little girl, Marie, and her favourite toy, a wooden Nutcracker carved to look like a soldier.

Tchaikovsky’s famous music has been transcribed for two violins and percussion, and will be performed by violinists Ms Esmeralda Tintner and Mrs Lisa Stewart and percussionist Ms Kerryn Joyce. They will be joined by ballet dancer Ms Lennox Niven and flamenco dancer Ms Ana Interiano as 'Chocolate'.

Tintner said ‘Play me a Story...The Nutcracker' was full of all the things that children love.

“It’s full of magic, dancing, delicious food...and above all the beautiful music...the perfect way to celebrate Christmas,” she said.

'Play me a Story...The Nutcracker' has been a sell out hit at the Sydney Opera House and at festivals around Australia.

Suitable for children 3-8 and the whole family.

Book now by calling  02 4335 1485 or by visiting thearthousewyong.com.au