• CANBERRA’S literati are hoping for a big crowd to the NewActon Courtyard at 6pm, on November 29 when Irma Gold’s Centenary anthology of Canberra writing, “The Invisible Thread”, is launched by “Underbelly” writer Felicity Packard, along with readings from Blanche D’Alpuget, Jane Francesca Rendle-Short, Adrian Caesar and Meredith McKinney and music from Wicked Strings. Everyone’s invited. RSVP to 6262 9191.

• “THE Polyphonic Bard”, directed by filmmaker/theatre director Tamzin Nugent, interweaves all-male vocal ensemble The Pocket Score Company with Shakespearean scenes and sonnets, and Thomas Tallis’ 40-part motet “Spem in Alium”. Singers Ian Blake, Paul Eldon, Daniel Sanderson, John Virgoe, and David Yardley will be joined by actors from the Canberra Academy of Dramatic Art. At The Street Theatre, November 30- December 2, bookings to 6247 1223 or thestreet.org.au/

• CANBERRA Opera Workshop is holding a seasonal concert, “Christmas at the Opera”, at St Ninian’s Church Hall, Lyneham, 8pm, November 30 and December 1-2. Bookings to cow.org.au/tickets or 6249 1831.

• ‘TIS the season for music, music and more music – especially on Sunday, November 25:

• BREAKING a leg is an old performance tradition, but pianist David Miller went too far when he broke a hip recently, forcing Art Song Canberra back to the drawing board for its final concert. Fortunately, Simon Kenway will step in to accompany soprano Helen Barnett at Wesley Music Centre at 3pm on November 25 in “Romance and Passion: Songs of France and Italy”. Tickets only at the door.

• ON the same day, Worldly Goods choir, run by John Shortis and Moya Simpson, will launch its first CD “Sombamba” with South African guests Valanga and Andrea Khoza joining with vocal harmonies, guitar and stick drums, at Belconnen Arts Centre, 5.30pm, bookings to allourworldlygoods.eventbrite.com.au

• ALSO at Lerida Estate winery, Lake George, from 12.30pm on November 25, the Canberra Mandolin Orchestra will perform tunes from the early jazz age, light classics and popular music. Admission and music free, lunch a la carte.

• ON the same, crazy day at the Salvation Army Hall in Anketell Street, Tuggeranong, at 3pm, the Blamey Street Big Band, with conductor Ian McLean and jazz singer Leisa Keen, will assist the Salvation Army in a Christmas gift concert to raise funds to construct a mission hospital in Zambia. Entry by paper money donation.