Orchestras

The Amherst Symphony Orchestra (www.amherstsymphony.com).

Led by Steven Thomas, the ASO is playing its free holiday concert at 7 tonight at Amherst Middle School. The Buffalo State College

Philharmonia (878-6401). New this year, the auditioned 75-piece Buffalo State College Philharmonia includes students, professionals, amateurs, even a nun. Paul Ferington conducts.

The Cheektowaga Community Symphony Orchestra (895-1047;

www.cheektowagasymphony.com): Led by John Landis, the symphony plays at churches in Cheektowaga as well as popular summer concerts in Cheektowaga Town Park.

TheClarenceSummerOrchestra (www.clarenceconcert.org): A professional group, this orchestra presents four free concerts annually in Clarence Town Park. It has had only two conductors in its 51-year history: founder Joseph Wincenc and current conductor Arie Lipsky.

The Orchard Park Symphony (474-5843; www.orchardparksymphony.com): Directed by David Rudge, the symphony presents its holiday concert at 7:30 p. m. Friday at Orchard Park Middle School. Adults $12, students free.

The Southern Tier Symphony (372-1110; www.southerntiersymphony.org): This ensemble led by Music Director John Whitney pays its musicians a modest stipend and performs in the Olean area.

Choruses

The Buffalo Choral Arts Society (812-1541; www.buffalochoralarts.org):

Music Director Marcia Giambrone leads the group, over 100 voices strong, in concert at Our Lady of Victory Basilica at 7:30 p. m. Friday and next Sunday; $15.

The Buffalo Gay Men’s Chorus (883-1277; www.buffalogaymenschorus.com): Led by Barbara Wagner since its founding in 2001, the chorus presents “Joyful and Triumphant,” 8 p. m. Friday at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Buffalo; 8 p. m. Saturday at the Riviera Theatre, North Tonawanda; and 5 p. m. Sunday at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Admission is $20.

The Buffalo Schwaben Chor (681-4073): The oldest group on this list, the Schwaben Chor was founded in 1885. The choir performs regularly, mostly at German-American and Catholic events.

The Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus (833-6642;

www.bpchorus.org): Under the direction of Doreen Rao, this chorus was founded in 1937 as the Buffalo Schola Cantorum by Jessamine E. Long.

The Cheektowaga Community Chorus (685-9090): This group sings classical and pop music, and you don’t have to live in Cheektowaga to join.

The Chopin Singing Society (685-9466, www.chopinsingingsocietyofbuffalo.org): Founded in 1899, the Chopin Singing Society was originally a men’s choral group and is now a mixed chorus, led by Thomas Witakowski, devoted to upholding Polish musical traditions.

The Community Advent Chorale (823-9722). This East Aurora chorus presents an annual “Messiah” with professional soloists and orchestra, plus other concerts throughout the year.

The Freudig Singers (667-7088;

www.freudigsingers.blogspot.com): Founded in 1984, this auditioned, professional-caliber group is now led by organist, composer and UB faculty member Roland Martin.

The Orchard Park Chorale (www.orchardparkchorale.org): Directed by Tim Kennedy, this group was founded in 1975 and has sung major works including Mozart’s Requiem and Mendelssohn’s “Elijah.” No audition is necessary.

The Western New York Chorale (566-1177; http://wnychorale.bfn.org/): Led by Herb Tinney, this ensemble specializes in early music and Western New York music. Its Christmas concert is 5 p. m. next Sunday at the Church of the Ascension on North Street; and 8 p. m. Dec. 15 at the Village Meeting House and Museum, 5658 Main St., Williamsville. A $10 donation is requested.

—Mary Kunz Goldman