Holiday Symphony Concert a Treat for All

Tonight the Fredericksburg Symphony Orchestra hosts its holiday concert at Lifepoint Church. The show is sold out, but the Advance got a sneak peek at the extravaganza.

by Charlie Li
INTERN

Editor’s note: Tonight’s performance is sold out, but tickets for the Valentine’s show, “Romantic Fantasies,” will be available beginning January 8. Mark the date, and bookmark this page.

The Fredericksburg Symphony Orchestra is coming home for the holidays this evening and hosting an evening of seasonal music and special guests sure to delight the sold-out audience at Lifepoint Church.

“We have guest artists, a full packed house, people will dress-up, special lighting, [and] Christmas trees here,” says Music Director Kevin Bartram. “In these times of trouble, occasions where [people] can truly celebrate and have fun” with music of a high standard is important.

“The audience is going to love what they’re going to hear,” said Bartram.

He has prepared a program that takes the audience on a journey through various musical eras and styles for the holidays. Featured first is “A Christmas Scherzo” arranged by Don Sebesky.

Highlights of the evening will include several special guests: Bruce Middle, James Pitts, Anastasia Pike and the Virginia Children’s Chorus. The Advance attended the rehearsal on Thursday night and got a preview of what’s in store for tonight’s audience.

Middle will deliver a moving version of “O Come, O Come Emanuel” based on Matt Riley’s rendition.

Pitts, a skilled pianist, impresses with his solo version of “Do You Hear What I Hear?” In addition, Pike plays a beautiful version of “Waltz of the Flowers” from “The Nutcracker Suite.”

Finally, the Virginia Children’s Chorus Chamber Singers have plans to bring their youthful exuberance and complex harmonies to the evening.

“We are just very happy to be here and collaborating with the Fredericksburg Symphony Orchestra,” said Matthew Russell, music director and educator for the Virginia Children’s Chorus Chamber Singers. “During the concert, we are trying to capture joy, expression and be able to communicate with the audience.”

In line with the FSO's commitment to community involvement and educational outreach, the concert will also feature more interactive segments. This part of the program will be “more substantial than last year’s concert,” says Bartram. “There’s more music, more moving parts, more guest artists, more variety in music, more audience participation.”

“Have fun,” says Bartram. “I can guarantee the audience when they look up on stage, see me and see the orchestra, we’re going to have fun too. It will be a wonderful evening.”

There’s also some comedy in store for the packed house, but you won’t find any spoilers here.

For those who weren’t able to secure seats, the FSO’s next performance is just a couple months away. Tickets for the Valentine’s show, “Romantic Fantasies” go on sale January 8. Mark your calendar, and bookmark this site.

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