Alma Symphony Orchestra To Perform Holiday Favorites
A seasonal program of holiday favorites, including selections from “The Nutcracker,” will highlight the next concert of the Alma Symphony Orchestra’s 50th anniversary season.
The ASO performs at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13 in the Remick Heritage Center at Alma College. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for seniors 62 and up, and free for Alma College staff, students and youth 18 and under. Seating is reserved. Call (989) 463-7304 for ticket information.
“This will be very much a family concert with lively, wonderful music appropriate for all ages,” says Murray Gross, ASO conductor. “This is especially true given the fact that kids and youth 18 and under can attend the concert for free.”
ASO violinists
The first half of the program will include “Sleigh Ride” by Frederick Delius, the traditional melody “I Wonder as I Wander” featuring Alma College senior vocalist James DeZeeuw, “Sheep May Safely Graze” by J.S. Bach, and the “Winter” movement from Antonio Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons,” featuring solo violinist Takeshi Abo.
Abo, concertmaster of the Alma, Battle Creek and Midland Symphony Orchestras, has given recitals and concerto performances in Japan, the United Kingdom and United States. Born in Japan, he has advanced degrees from Michigan State University. He currently is a visiting instructor at Alma College.
The second half of the concert will be devoted exclusively to Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker.”
“The excerpts the orchestra is performing are highlights from the ballet — wonderful music that stands up on its own,” says Gross. “The audience will hear many of the favorites, including ‘Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy,’ ‘Battle Between the Mice and Toy Soldiers,’ ‘Russian Dance’ and the ‘Final Waltz.’”
The Alma Symphony Orchestra, founded in 1960, kicked off its 50th season in October. The year-long celebration will continue with a Valentine’s Day performance on Feb. 14 and the annual masterworks concert with the Alma College Choirs on April 10 and 11, this year featuring Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony.
Posted: Thu, December 3rd, 2009 at 4:28PM
