CLASSICAL MUSIC
Deck Symphony Hall
The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra kicks into holiday high gear starting Thursday, presenting six performances over four days: Handel’s “Messiah” and Bach’s “Magnificat” at 8 p.m. Thursday and Saturday; Atlanta Symphony Gospel Christmas at 8 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday; and Atlanta Symphony Kid’s Christmas (featuring the Youth Orchestra and guests) at 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. Sunday. Launching a month of holiday music, these programs are conducted by Norman Mackenzie, ChelseaTipton II and Jere Flint, respectively. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-733-5000, www.atlantasymphony.org. HOWARD POUSNER

MUSIC
Carols in Marietta
The 110-voice Georgia Festival Chorus presents its 21st annual “Carols by Candlelight” Christmas concert at 7:30 p.m. Thursday  at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church. FrankBoggs conducts the chorus, accompanied by a 35-piece orchestra plus pianist Cathy Adams and organists John Innes and John Shaw. The chorus will sing arrangements ranging from traditional carols by Wilberg, Berlioz and Bruicusse to Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. Free. 950 Johnson Ferry Road, Marietta. 404-234-3581, www.tgafc.org. HOWARD POUSNER

MUSIC
Opera’s new chairman
The Atlanta Opera has announced William E. Tucker as its next board chairman. Tucker, co-managing partner of Tucker Midis & Associates LLC, an investment banking firm based in Atlanta, has served as an opera board member since 2009. He will replace Greg Johnson, board chair from 2006 to 2011. The opera board also elected three new members: John O. King, founder ofBreitland LLC; George W. Levert , managing director at Register Financial; and C. David Moody Jr., president and CEO of C.D. Moody Construction Company. HOWARD POUSNER