Events

Concord Compose the Action! Learn Film Music Composition.  Have you ever wondered how music creates the perfect mood in a movie or builds the suspense? This Film Music Composition Workshop is your exclusive chance to step into the composer’s chair! Through an exciting, interactive group project, students will learn directly from composer and CCM faculty member Manuel Garcia-Baro how music is used to convey specific emotions and drama across different visual media. You’ll get hands-on experience in music composition by planning the soundtrack for an unforgettable scene from the popular movie How to Train Your Dragon. This unique workshop offers practical insight into the creative process of professional film scoring. Who Should Attend? This dynamic composition workshop is designed for students ages 10-18 who are curious about music composition or film scoring.

Enjoy the best of classic, independent, and foreign films curated by The Concord Film Project at The Umbrella Arts Center, with pre-show dinner options. This December, join us for My Penguin Friend (2024, dir. David Schurmann, rated PG), a family-friendly film based on the true story of a lonely fisherman who unexpectedly finds companionship with a South American Magellan penguin.

Join Artist-in-Residence Tom Flint and his students for a YOUTH FILM PREMIERE Tuesday, December 16 at 5:15 PM Walk the red carpet through the gallery into The Umbrella's Theater 144 for a free premiere of youth short films, followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers! This event is a celebratory culmination of Artist-in-Residence Tom Flint's Fall Semester Classes and features student films and a short documentary about their creation.

Join local award-winning author Jenn Bouchard at J. McLaughlin in Concord for a book signing on Saturday, December 13th from 1-4 PM. She'll have copies of her latest novel, Considering Us, the 2025 Winner in Romantic Comedy from both the American Fiction Awards and the NYC Big Book Award. Kirkus Reviews calls Considering Us "a soul-searching, second-chance romance for readers who love a strong female lead."

‘Tis the season to warm your soul with the festive sounds of the Firebird Pops Orchestra in The Umbrella’s state-of-the-art Theater 144. Cozy up to two acts of beloved holiday classics–plus some new favorites!–performed by talented musicians from across New England. Let these rich, vibrant orchestrations provide the soundtrack to your December as you enjoy solos by Mara Bonde, Sandra Piques Eddy, and Stephen Markarian with your loved ones. Bringing the family? Pops the perfect introduction to the magic of the symphony for listeners of all ages. During intermission, let little ones explore Educational activities with an Umbrella instructor while you visit Concessions and take in the beautiful abstract works in the Allie Kussin Gallery, Joy & Peace. There's nothing quite like experiencing the joy of a full orchestra together—especially when everyone gets to sing along.

Panel Discussion: Motherhood as Muse

Moderated by: Dr. Michelle Millar Fisher, Curator of Contemporary Decorative Arts at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and author of Designing Motherhood

Exhibiting artists: Katherine Bradford, Kathryn Geismar, Alison Croney Moses, and Deborah Peeples

Free for members / $10 non-members

Nature meets art: Make beautiful handmade cards, votive candle holders and glass ornaments using real pressed flowers. Join us for a creative and relaxing workshop where nature meets art, making beautiful handmade cards, votive candle holders and glass ornaments using real pressed flowers. We’ll guide you through the process of arranging flowers and applying them properly to create unique, personalized items — perfect for gifts, keepsakes, or simply to brighten someone’s day.

Make the holidays festive! Visit Wee Forest Folk for their Holiday Open House and enjoy delicious treats as you shop for charming holiday gifts.

Rejoice and be glad, for there is no fruitcake! This year’s event offers an array of storefronts that include Entitlements and Fine Firs, a collection of recently published books and an array of greenery, ornaments, and holiday gear, respectively.     Billed as a “divine” shopping experience with heavenly and heathenly refreshments, Trinity’s Parish Hall and Art Gallery will feature myriad talents of the parish and a collection of titled goods and bespoke service.

“They belong only to us” was Clara Schumann’s response upon first listening to Robert Schumann’s Kindersezen, “Scenes from Childhood”, alluding to the tenderness of childhood remembrances and music as a shared experience. CCM piano faculty Kitty Cheung-Evans retells this 1838 work and prompts listeners to create their own stories in this participatory event. Movement titles such as “Dreaming” and “Of Distant Lands” inspire the imaginations of today’s youth and kindle affectionate sentiments of childhood for adults, connecting all listeners with the art of musical interpretation.