Pittsburgh Review

Allegheny County’s Annual Holiday Music Program is back for its 54th year, and this year’s event will start at noon on Dec. 1 with performances by the Quaker Valley High School Choirs.

The program will take place on weekdays running through Dec. 22, an Allegheny County news release reported recently. The final performance of the series will be by the Northgate “Sizzlers” Jazz Band. 

“For over half a century, the Courthouse has welcomed bands, choirs, choruses, and orchestras from schools throughout the county and region,” County Executive Rich Fitzgerald said. “We are thrilled to welcome so many students back again this year – we have over 1,300 students participating representing 30 different student groups. All of us look forward to hearing their music fill our courthouse and the streets of downtown.” 

The concerts will take place at 436 Grant St. in downtown Pittsburgh at the Grand Staircase of the County Courthouse. The first performances of the day will begin at noon and run until 12:40 p.m., and the second performance will start at 12:50 p.m. and go until 1:30 p.m. People in the area are invited to grab a seat and take in the holiday cheer while they do their shopping in the downtown area. Students involved in the performances are provided candy bars by Sarris Candies.

One aspect of the yearly event in the spirit of giving is the Holiday Project, in which schools make donations of a filled stocking or unwrapped gift. These donations have helped provide children in the Department of Human Services system with gifts since the 1960s. Event coordinators urge those who attend the concert to participate as well.

Suggested gifts and additional information can be found at alleghenycounty.us/Human-Services/News-Events/Events/Holiday-Project.aspx.