The Thuringia Philharmonic Gotha-Eisenach will be playing

On Christmas Eve, a little boy lies in his bed, pondering two crucial questions:

“Does Santa Claus exist? Or is he not?” He listens and looks out into the snowy night,

whether perhaps the bell of a reindeer sleigh can be heard somewhere. But instead of the sleigh, a

Suddenly a smoking train squeaks in front of the little boy's house: It is the Polar Express! Its friendly conductor

ner asks the astonished and fascinated boy to get in, because a fast and adventurous ride awaits him

to the North Pole. On the journey there, the boy meets many other fascinating passengers and learns that miracles never

end, as long as you firmly believe in them. If you also want to know whether Santa Claus lives at the North Pole, then join

Join the Thuringia Philharmonic on their journey on the Polar Express!

THE POLAR EXPRESS – Family Concert

Gotha Cultural Center

This year, TSO goes Hollywood for the Holidays! Join the orchestra and soprano Amy Owens for a magical concert featuring music from beloved holiday films, including White Christmas, Home Alone, It’s a Wonderful Life, Elf, and more. Experience the nostalgia, joy, and warmth of the season through these timeless melodies-don’t miss this unforgettable concert!

EPSG:4326

Hollywood for the Holidays!

Ring in the holidays with Bay Phil’s most joyful, spectacular celebration of the year.! Get swept up in all the magic of the season with family and holiday favorites, led by our Guest Conductor Alexander Kahn.

The Bay Area’s Best: Sounds of the Season!

Chabot College

Join us for a joyful celebration filled with beloved carols, sing-alongs, and holiday favorites like The Grinch, The Polar Express, Sleigh Ride, and more.

Family Holiday Pops

Great Lakes Center for the Arts

A Holiday Concert 2025

The Independence School

The Associate and Senior Orchestras, conducted by Leo Eylar, and the CYS Wind Symphony, conducted by Pete Nowlen, will present the annual Holiday Concert at San Mateo Performing Arts Center on December 7, 2025. Once again the orchestras and Wind Symphony will offer the audience a pleasing mix of classical and holiday favorites.

Holiday Concert 2025

San Mateo High School

Join us for a festive family concert featuring winter-themed musical stories from around the globe.

Festive Fables

The Salvation Army Scarborough Citadel Community Church

Step into the glamour of Hollywood and celebrate the opening of the GSO’s “American Season” with Opening Night: Hollywood Retrospective! Music Director Lee Mills takes the stage with iconic music from legendary films, including Ben Hur, Casablanca, Star Wars, Beauty and the Beast, and more. Enhanced by the rich voices of the Clemson University Singers, this red-carpet event promises an unforgettable evening of cinematic splendor, community pride, and timeless music. Join us at Peace Concert Hall and let the magic of the movies come alive! 

Opening Night: Hollywood Retrospective

Peace Center

Great Scott! Back to the Future, the beloved, cinematic classic is now a Broadway musical. Winner of the 2022 Olivier Award for Best New Musical, four WhatsOnStage Awards, including Best New Musical, and the Broadway World Award for Best New Musical, Back to the Future: The Musical is adapted for the stage by the iconic film’s creators Bob Gale (Back to the Future trilogy) and Robert Zemeckis (Forrest Gump) and directed by the Tony Award®-winner John Rando with original music by multi-Grammy® winners Alan Silvestri (Avengers: Endgame) and Glen Ballard (Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror”), alongside hit songs from the movie including “The Power of Love,” “Johnny B. Goode,” “Earth Angel,” and “Back in Time.” When Marty McFly finds himself transported back to 1955 in a time machine built by the eccentric scientist Doc Brown, he accidentally changes the course of history. Now he’s in a race against time to fix the present, escape the past, and send himself... back to the future. When Back to the Future hits 88mph, it’ll change musical theatre history forever.

Back to the Future

Fox Theatre - Atlanta

Recharge your flux capacitor…  and get ready to celebrate this unforgettable movie classic as you’ve never seen and heard it before! Celebrating the 40th anniversary of the unforgettable movie classic, Back to the Future is the 1.21-gigawatt blockbuster that topped the 1985 box office chart, spawned two wildly successful sequels and stamped an enduring imprint on pop culture.  Join Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox), Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd) and a Time Machine for the adventure of a lifetime as they travel to the past, present and future, setting off a time-shattering chain reaction that disrupts the space-time continuum! Now, fans old and new will experience the thrill of Back to the Future like never before – on a big high-def screen with the full Philadelphia Orchestra performing Alan Silvestri’s dazzling musical score live in synch with the movie.  Audiences will also be in for an exclusive treat:  approximately twenty minutes of brand new music added by award-winning composer Silvestri to the film’s score especially for these unique live orchestra presentations.

Back to the Future in Concert

Saratoga Performing Arts Center

Celebrating the 40th anniversary of the unforgettable movie classic, Back to the Future is the 1.21-gigawatt blockbuster that topped the 1985 box office chart, spawned two wildly successful sequels, and stamped an enduring imprint on pop culture.

Saratoga Spa State Park

Recharge your flux capacitor…and get ready to celebrate this unforgettable movie classic! Fans old and new will experience the thrill of Back to the Future with approximately twenty minutes of brand new music added to the film’s score by award-winning composer Silvestri for these unique live orchestra presentations.

NSO at Wolf Trap:  Back to the Future in Concert

Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts

In April we present some of the greatest movie music ever composed, featuring masterpieces from the 20th and 21st centuries. From the silver screen to the symphonic stage, the MSO takes a hair-raising journey through the film scores that have shaped cinematic history.

The Best of The Best

Saenger Theatre

Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts

In our annual tradition of performing music from popular films and television, the CSO will perform selections from your favorite 80s movie soundtracks. This year, Yuriy Bekker and the CSO welcome a special co-host and guest artist to the concert: Jean Louisa Kelly actress, singer, and dancer on Broadway, television, and film. She is best known for roles in “Yes, Dear,” Uncle Buck and Mr. Holland’s Opus, and she recently appeared in Top Gun: Maverick. Enjoy a “totally tubular” trip down memory lane with music from “bodacious” films like Beetlejuice, Beverly Hills Cop, E.T., Ghostbusters, Back to the Future, Rocky, and more!

Music of the Movies: Totally 80s

Gaillard Center

Holiday favorites for the entire family! Join your BRSO and BRSO Chorus at the River Center Theater for this family favorite! 

Home for the Holidays 2024

River Center Theater

Gastkonzert

The Concertgebouw

Winter Concert 2024

Sussex Academy

Cape Henlopen High School

Ring in the holiday season with the Snowbelt Symphony and guest vocalist Emily Stack! A mix of classics, popular and traditional carols, and music from holiday films will make this a treat for the whole family.

Snowbelt Symphony: Joy to the World

 Lake Catholic High School

With her warm and expressive voice, Joan Faulkner, who comes from Indiana, USA, is considered one of the most important European swing, soul and jazz interpreters. The best conditions for an atmospheric evening with the Munich Radio Orchestra and many Christmas classics that we all know - from White Christmas to Mariah Carey's All I Want for Christmas Is You to the orchestral freestyle with Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Anderson's Christmas Festival ...

Christmas Classics

Bayerische Theaterakademie August Everding

Christmas at the Movies

Ames Center

featuring The Snowman & The Polar Express plus other holiday melodies

Danville High School

### Holiday Spectacular Symphony San Jose

**Event Dates and Times:**
- **Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.**
- **Sunday, December 8, 2024 at 2:30 p.m.**

**Location:**
- **California Theatre, San Jose, CA**

**Concert Length:**
- **Approx. 1 hr 55 min. with intermission**

**Artists:**
- **Elena Sharkova, conductor**
- **Nathan Stark, bass-baritone**
- **Symphony San Jose**
- **Symphony San Jose Chorale**
- **Cantabile Youth Singers**
- **New Ballet**

**Program:**
- **J.S. Bach:** Jauchzet, frohlocket from Christmas Oratorio
- **M.Torme/R. Wells:** The Christmas Song
- **G.F. Handel:** See, the Conqu’ring Hero Comes
- **Alan Silvestri:** Polar Express Suite
- **G.F. Handel:** That Trumpet Shall Sound from The Messiah
- **Albert Hague:** You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch
- **Traditional:** 12 Days of Silicon Valley

**About This Performance:**
Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at the majestic California Theatre with Symphony San Jose, Symphony San Jose Chorale, Cantabile Youth Singers, New Ballet, and special guests. Rejoice in holiday classics including carols, audience sing-alongs, and the ever-popular "12 Days of Silicon Valley." Include friends and family and make this experience an unforgettable part of your holiday season.

**Pre-Concert Festivities:**
- **Santa's Here:** Join us one hour before the concert for a jolly good time with Santa Claus. Capture the holiday spirit and create lasting memories as you take pictures and share your Christmas wishes with Santa.
- **Beware of the Grinch:** Keep a lookout for the mischievous Grinch who may be lurking around, trying to steal some Christmas cheer. Stay alert for any signs of the Grinch’s sneaky antics.
- **Gingerbread Cookie Decorating:** Unleash your inner pastry artist and decorate your very own gingerbread man with royal icing. This pre-concert festivity will start one hour before the concert and is open to everyone. Note: These cookies are not gluten-free and contain dairy, eggs, and molasses.

**Special Holiday Add-On:**
- Add this event to your "Create Your Own Subscription" for additional savings.

**Tickets:**
- **Purchase Tickets**: [Link to purchase tickets]
- **Subscribe and Save**: [Link to subscription options]

Join us for a magical wonderland at our Holiday Spectacular Concert and make sweet and delicious memories with us!

Holiday Spectacular

California Theatre

Celebrate the holiday season with the enchanting "Hub City Holiday" concert presented by the Spartanburg Philharmonic. This festive event is set to take place on Saturday, December 7, 2024, from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM at the Twichell Auditorium, located at 580 East Main Street, Spartanburg, SC, 29302, United States.

Under the baton of conductor John Young Shik Concklin, the concert promises a heartwarming journey through the most cherished melodies of the holiday season. Audiences can look forward to a repertoire that includes the lively "Sleigh Ride," the serene beauty of "Stille Nacht (Silent Night)," and the delightful "Hanukkah Suite," among other beloved classics. The evening will also feature a special sing-along segment with local Spartanburg vocalists, making for a truly interactive and heartwarming experience.

Highlights of the program include Bill Holcombe's "Twas the Night Before Christmas," Leroy Anderson's "Sleigh Ride," Alan Silvestri's "Polar Express Suite," and Bob Krongstad's "Music from Frozen," promising a magical evening that captures the essence of the holiday season and fills the air with warmth and cheer.

Single tickets for this enchanting holiday-themed concert will go on sale this summer. Subscribers to the full season can save 10% off single ticket prices and service fees. Don't miss this festive journey through the most cherished melodies of the holidays, guaranteed to warm your heart and fill you with holiday spirit.

Hub City Holiday

Converse University

Join the LSO and very special guests, including the Callaway High School Cavalier’s Chorus, for this glittering seasonal celebration! No performance at this time of year would be complete without selections from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, the national treasures of Leroy Anderson’s Sleigh Ride and Bugler’s Holiday, or a rendition of ‘Twas the Night before Christmas! Come and hear music from The Polar Express and even get to sing some of your own favorite Christmas Carols. Our gift to you – celebrate the holiday season with your LSO!

A Holiday Celebration

Callaway Auditorium

Join presenter and broadcaster Tom Redmond, conductor Euan Shields and the Hallé for a fun-filled interactive family-friendly concert full of fantastic creatures and characters.

Listen in awe to The Firebird, cast spells with Harry Potter, saddle up with Billy the Kid, save the day with The Avengers and ride our dragons to Berk – all in an afternoon’s work for the heroic Hallé.

The Hallé - Marvellous Musical Myths And Legends

The Bridgewater Hall

### Event Description: Family Concert: Marvellous Musical Myths and Legends - The Hallé

**Date and Time:**  
Sunday, 29th September 2024, 3:00 PM

**Venue:**  
The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester

**Event Overview:**  
Join the Hallé for an enchanting family concert titled "Marvellous Musical Myths and Legends." This interactive event is designed to captivate audiences of all ages with a delightful blend of music and storytelling. 

**Programme Highlights:**  
- **John Williams:** Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone: Hedwig's Theme
- **John Powell:** How to Train Your Dragon
- **Sibelius:** Lemminkäinen's Return
- **Mason Bates:** Anthology of Fantastic Zoology: A Bao A Qu
- **Copland:** Billy the Kid
- **Stravinsky:** The Firebird
- **Alan Silvestri:** The Avengers: Main Theme

**Special Features:**  
- **Presenter:** Tom Redmond
- **Conductor:** Euan Shields, Hallé Assistant Conductor and Hallé Youth Orchestra Music Director

**Pre-Concert Activities:**  
Arrive from 1:30 PM to enjoy free family activities in the foyer, including word searches, puzzles, and colouring, all inspired by the concert's theme.

**Ticket Information:**  
- **Family Ticket:** £49 (including fees)
- **Adults:** £23 (including fees)
- **Children (17 and under):** £13 (including fees)
- Concessions and discounts are available.

**Event Description:**  
Explore wonderful stories of myths and legends through music in a fun and interactive concert for the whole family. Listen in awe to "The Firebird," cast spells with Harry Potter, saddle up with Billy the Kid, save the day with The Avengers, and ride dragons to Berk—all in an afternoon’s work for the heroic Hallé.

**Booking Information:**  
Tickets are available for purchase now. Don't miss this magical musical journey!

**Contact and Additional Information:**  
For more details and to book your tickets, visit the Hallé's official website.

Family Concert: Marvellous Musical Myths and Legends

A musical tribute to popular art forms, Symphonic Con takes you on incredible adventures. Experience music from epic quests and hero’s journeys, including favorites from Lord of the Rings, Legend of Zelda, Spider-Man, and Harry Potter. 

Symphonic Con

The Seaside Pavilion

Join the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) for an unforgettable evening of cinematic splendor with "Lights, Camera, Action: the LSO on Film." This thrilling concert is set to take place at the iconic Barbican on Sunday, 16 June 2024, at 7pm. Dive into the world of film music as the LSO performs a selection of scores that have captivated audiences around the globe, featuring compositions from movies such as Star Wars, Harry Potter, Braveheart, and many more.

Under the baton of conductor and curator Dirk Brossé, the orchestra will bring to life the music of legendary composers including John Williams, Bernard Herrmann, and Ralph Vaughan Williams, among others. The program promises an array of beloved themes, from the adventurous "Main Title from Star Wars" to the magical "Hedwig’s Theme from Harry Potter," ensuring an evening of emotional resonance and nostalgic delight.

The concert will also include a special 20-minute interval, allowing attendees to reflect on the first half and anticipate the continued auditory journey. With the performance concluding at approximately 9pm, this event is a perfect way to spend a cultural evening in London.

Tickets for this cinematic musical journey are available at various price points, starting from £18 to £70, with a £4 booking fee applicable for online and phone transactions. Additionally, Wildcard Tickets offer a unique opportunity for a guaranteed entry with seat allocation on the day, priced at £12/£16 plus the booking fee.

This event not only celebrates the LSO's historic contributions to over two hundred movie soundtracks since 1935 but also marks the beginning of a series of concerts showcasing film scores recorded by the orchestra. Don't miss this chance to experience the power of film music live, performed by one of the world's leading orchestras. Book your tickets now and be part of an evening that celebrates the intersection of cinematic art and orchestral majesty with the London Symphony Orchestra at the Barbican.

Lights, Camera, Action – the LSO on Film

Barbican Centre

Connect to your inner superhero as we traverse the musical landscape of “Superheroes and Supervillains.” Music Director Andrew Crust leads the orchestra on a daring adventure where the Avengers take on Darth Vader, Cruella de Vil faces off against Spiderman, and baby Yoda softens the hearts of even the most treacherous characters. Who will win the day?

Family Concert: Superheroes and Supervillains

Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Center

A concert the whole family can enjoy! Featuring music from the Epics to the Golden Age of movies to the endless struggle between the villains and the heroes we all love.

Hollywood Old & New Concert

Peoria Civic Center Theater

It’s that most wonderful time of year again, where the magic of the holidays comes alive through music! From cherished Christmas medleys that evoke memories of cozy gatherings to jubilant musical celebrations of Hanukkah that light up the stage, Holiday Cheer! promises to be a jolly ride for every member of the family. The DPO and our friends at the Colorado Chorale invite you to come celebrate the hap-happiest season of all!

Holiday Cheer! 

Central Presbyterian Church Denver

2023/2024 December Concert

Albert Hall Conference Centre

Celebrate the holiday season with a heartwarming evening at the Rockport Opera House, hosted by the Rockport Public Library. This family-friendly event is set to take place on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The festivities begin with a delightful holiday handbell concert featuring the talented ensemble from the Penobscot Bay Ringers. Experience the joyous sounds of the season through their exquisite handbell performance, marking a perfect start to the evening.

Following the concert, attendees will be treated to a screening of the classic holiday film, "The Polar Express" (2004), which runs for 1 hour and 40 minutes. This enchanting movie, based on the beloved children's book by Chris Van Allsburg, follows the journey of a young boy who embarks on an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole. Along the way, he discovers the importance of bravery, friendship, and the spirit of Christmas. It's a story that inspires and captivates audiences of all ages.

Guests are encouraged to embrace the cozy atmosphere by wearing their favorite pajamas. To further enhance the festive mood, delicious baked goods, yummy beverages, and an abundance of holiday cheer will be provided. Doors will open at 4:45 PM, ensuring everyone has ample time to settle in before the evening's activities commence.

This event is FREE and open to the public, making it a wonderful opportunity for community members to come together and celebrate the season. A special thanks is extended to the Penobscot Bay Ringers, a community handbell organization based in Camden, Maine. Celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2023, the group is committed to promoting excellence in handbell artistry through performance, education, and community engagement.

For more information about the Penobscot Bay Ringers and their contributions to the arts, please visit penobscotbayringers.me. Don't miss this magical evening of music, film, and holiday spirit at the Rockport Opera House.

Holiday Handbell Concert and Polar Express Movie

Rockport Opera House

Join the York Symphony Orchestra and Chorus for an enchanting evening at the annual Holiday Pops Spectacular, a cherished kickoff to the holiday season. This year's performance promises an abundance of holiday cheer, featuring a special appearance by Santa and an opportunity for the audience to join in a jovial sing-along. The concert also marks a significant occasion as we celebrate Chorusmaster Kathleen Shannon's final concert with us.

**Event Details:**

- **Location:** Appell Center for the Performing Arts
- **Date:** Saturday, November 25, 2023
- **Showtimes:** 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM EST
- **Duration:** 2 Hours with Intermission

**Programming Highlights:**
- Herman, arr. Wendel: "We Need A Little Christmas"
- arr. Shaw & Bennett: "The Many Moods of Christmas, Suite No. 1"
- Holcombe, arr.: "Festive Sounds of Hanukah"
- Silvestri & Ballard, arr. Brubaker: "Concert Suite from The Polar Express"
- Marques L.A. Garrett: "The Savior’s Birth"
- Pola & Wyle, arr. Hayes: "It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year"
- Rimsky-Korsakov: "Polonaise from Christmas Eve Suite"
- Tchaikovsky: "Waltz of the Flowers from The Nutcracker"
- Anderson: "Sleigh Ride"
- Danny Green’s "Festival of Light"
- Handel: "Hallelujah Chorus from The Messiah"
- Norris: "Christmas Pops Sing-Along I"

**Featured Artists:**
- **Lawrence Golan**, Conductor
- **Kathleen Shannon**, Chorusmaster
- **York Symphony Chorus**

This spectacular event is part of the 2023-24 Season Pops Series and is proudly sponsored by dedicated patrons and organizations committed to supporting the arts. Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the spirit of the season with the York Symphony Orchestra's Holiday Pops Spectacular.

Holiday Pops Spectacular

Appell Center for the Performing Arts

Join the BBC Philharmonic for an afternoon of sounds from the big screen, as we record an episode of BBC Radio 3’s Sound of Cinema at MediaCityUK. Today’s sparkling programme has a distinctly festive feel; wrap up warm to venture through snowy Narnia, take a ride on the Polar Express, and don’t forget the tissues as we hear music from It’s a Wonderful Life and Miracle on 34th Street.

Sound of Cinema with the BBC Philharmonic

MediaCityUK

Recharge your flux capacitor…and get ready to celebrate this unforgettable movie classic! Join Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox), Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd) and a time traveling DeLorean for the adventure of a lifetime as they travel to the past, present and future! Now old and new will experience the thrill of Back to the Future™ on a big high-def screen with the Phoenix Symphony performing Alan Silvestri’s dazzling musical score live.

Back to the Future™ in Concert

Phoenix Convention Center

Great Scott! BACK TO THE FUTURE the beloved, cinematic classic is now a Broadway musical with its destination set for Nashville in 2026.

Back to the Future: The Musical

Tennessee Performing Arts Center

The theme of the 2025/26 Orchestra Unwrapped concerts is centered around the history of the Philharmonia Orchestra, which was founded in 1945 by Walter Legge and celebrates its 80th birthday in 2025. Legge worked for a company called EMI, who was responsible for making recordings of classical music. 

The pieces you’ll hear take us on a journey through time linking to the exciting history of the Philharmonia, from 1945 to today – a history you are all part of by being part of Orchestra Unwrapped in its 80th year!

London: Orchestra Unwrapped

Southbank Centre

What happens when school spirit, cinematic power, and classical fanfare meet center stage? You get Mad About Marches—a sport-centric evening of pure orchestral momentum that brings together fans of music, athletics, and pageantry in one unforgettable celebration.

This pulse-pounding program kicks off with a flurry of iconic marches that span stadiums, screen, and ceremony. From Sousa’s Washington Post March to the unmistakable energy of Roundball Rock (the theme to NBA on NBC), the first half delivers big brass, booming percussion, and instantly recognizable anthems. Audiences will cheer for local favorites like the University of Michigan and Michigan State University fight songs, get swept up in the thrill of John Williams’ Imperial March, and soar with one of his Olympic masterpieces. It’s a full-court press of musical power and pride.

Mad About Marches

Ford Center for the Performing Arts

Leicester: Orchestra Unwrapped

De Montfort Hall

Lights, camera, ACTION! Join the Hallé and entertaining presenter Tom Redmond for the magic of the movies, with a hand-picked selection of music from all your favourite family films. Performed live by your orchestra, this will be fun for all the family. Fancy dress is very welcome – why not come as your favourite film character? Family concerts are accessible for all – most suitable for ages 5-13.

The Hallé – Family Concert: Film Favourites

Join the Hallé and entertaining presenter Tom Redmond for the magic of the movies, with a hand-picked selection of music from all your favourite family films. Performed live by your orchestra, this will be fun for all the family. Fancy dress is very welcome – why not come as your favourite film character?

Family Concert: Film Favourites

Bedford: Orchestra Unwrapped

Bedford Corn Exchange

Westphalian Music Festival Hamm

Gut Kump, Hamm

Kurhaus, Hamm

Talented community musicians and educators sit side-by-side with WASO for a bucket list experience, performing together in the grand setting of Winthrop Hall. Share in the magic and witness this incredible performance come to life.

Alan Silvestri

Events

Upcoming events

7 - 8 Mar, 2026

Back to the Future™ in Concert · Phoenix Symphony

17 - 22 Mar, 2026

Back to the Future: The Musical · Tennessee Performing Arts Center

Mar 23, 2026

London: Orchestra Unwrapped · Philharmonia Orchestra

Mar 27, 2026

Mad About Marches · Dearborn Symphony

May 6, 2026

Leicester: Orchestra Unwrapped · Philharmonia Orchestra

Past events

Dec 28, 2025

THE POLAR EXPRESS – Family Concert · Thüringen Philharmonie Gotha-Eisenach

Dec 20, 2025

Hollywood for the Holidays! · Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra

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