­The Bronx is celebrating with cheerful holiday performances, and viewers can share in that holiday spirit by tuning in to BronxNet. The seasonal line-up includes Handel’s Messiah performed by The Orchestra of The Bronx and Bronx Opera Company, Manhattan College’s Lessons and Carols, a virtual Nutcracker by the Paige Fraser Foundation, a Parranda celebration by Casita Maria, and Pregones PRTT’s Fiesta Navideña.

 

Handel’s Messiah features readers from the Bronx community including Dr. Ruth Westheimer, NYS Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, NYC Councilman Andrew Cohen, Congressman José E. Serrano, Bronx Community College President Thomas Isekenegbe, Riverdale Press Editor Michael Hinman, and BronxNet Executive Director Michael Max Knobbe.

 

The performance of the classic oratorio is presented by BronxNet, BronxPro Group, and Bronx Community College/CUNY, and the schedule is Saturday, Dec. 26 at 8 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 27, at 6:30 p.m., Monday, Dec. 28 at 11 a.m. and Thursday, Dec. 31 at 10.30 p.m. on BronxNet CH 67 Optimum/2133 Fios.

 

Manhattan College Lessons and Carols is part of the school’s annual tradition. The 2020 video premiere is led by the Rev. Thomas Franks, OFM Cap and the Manhattan College chaplain, with music by the Manhattan College choir and orchestra. The schedule is Thursday, Dec. 24, at 9:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 25 at 12 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 26, at 3.30 p.m. on BronxNet CH 68 Optimum/2134 Fios.

 

The Paige Fraser Foundation’s Virtual Variations is a virtual telling of the beloved classic, The Nutcracker. The presentation features ballet, modern, tap, vogue and hip hop styles of dance. The schedule is Thursday, Dec. 24 at 9 p.m. on BronxNet CH 68 Optimum/2134 Fios.

 

Casita Maria Center for Arts and Education’s Parranda represents a traditional Puerto Rican holiday celebration with caroling, colorful floats and joyful performances by Kyle Matthews and Su Pleneros. Parranda is presented in partnership with Urban Health Plan, BronxNet and NYC Department of Cultural Affairs. The event was sponsored by Councilman Rafael Salamanca Jr. and the schedule is Sunday, Dec. 27 at 4:30 p.m., Monday, Dec. 28 at 9:30 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 29 at 11 a.m. and Thursday Dec. 31 at 8:30 p.m. on BronxNet CH 67 Optimum/2133 Fios.

 

The Pregones PRTT Holiday Special, Fiesta Navideña, features musical performances filmed at Pregones Theater, with a spotlight on Los Pleneros de la 21. The schedule is Monday, Dec. 28 at 7:30 p.m. on BronxNet CH 69 Optimum/2135 Fios.

 

BronxNet executive director, Michael Max Knobbe, said “BronxNet is proud to work with all of our outstanding arts partners including Bronx Opera Company, Bronx Community College, Pregones PRTT, Casita Maria, Manhattan College and the Paige Fraser Foundation to broadcast exquisite holiday performances to audiences in the Bronx and around the world.”

 

BronxNet is an independent not-for-profit organization serving the people of the Bronx with media production training, access to technology, and television channels. For more information visit: www.bronxnet.org.