The wonderful Wisconsin-born soprano Emily Birsan -- now one of Chicago's indispensable classical artists -- returns following her exquisite "St. Cecilia Mass"  for another glorious French confection: Francis Poulenc's fabulous setting of the GLORIA, written in 1960 for the Boston Symphony....and once again, our LSO Assistant Conductor James Wilson will assemble a magnificent symphonic chorus for the occasion! A garland of classic American Holiday favorites graces the evening's first half, culminating in another brilliant return: La Crosse's own piano prodigy Andre Previn Peck, in Prokofiev's glittering First Concerto. John Finnegan's Christmas Sing-Along caps off what will be the perfect Holiday celebration.

Holiday Glories

Viterbo University

Local favorites Steve and Allison Martin join HSO for festive selections from The Nutcracker, Leroy Anderson’s classic Sleigh Ride, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and some of the Martins’ favorite songs, including “The Prayer,” “O Holy Night,” and “Ave Maria.”  Rounding out the family-friendly concert will be the audience favorite “Christmas Singalong,” full of well-known holiday carols! Steve and Allison are well known in West Michigan, having sung on opera stages and musical productions locally and around the country.  Allison received her Masters of Music from Michigan State University.  Steve holds a doctorate and master’s in music from Michigan State University.  He has taught at the college level and is now Director of Music and Fine Arts at Memorial Drive United Methodist Church in Houston, Texas.

Home for the Holidays 2025 Matinee: Steve & Allison Martin

West Ottawa High School Performing Arts Center

Joining your genial host, conductor Stephen Bell, is versatile baritone Rodney Earl Clarke, whose velvet tone has been heard in a host of high-profile engagements, from opera houses and the BBC Proms to Twickenham and the West End. Alongside vocal highlights from Handel, Mozart, Mel Torme and Les Miserables you’ll also enjoy a sack full of seasonal orchestral showpieces from the likes of Adam Saunders, Erich Korngold, Paul Campbell and Serge Prokofiev, with some classic cinematic magic in the shape of music from Home Alone and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

The Hallé in Warwick

University of Warwick

Celebrate the spirit of the season with the Clinton Symphony Orchestra at the "Holidays with the Symphony" concert. This festive event is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at the Vernon Cook Theater at Clinton High School. It promises an evening filled with the joy and warmth of holiday music, featuring selections that capture the essence of the season. The concert will include collaborations with other arts groups and a carol sing-along, making it a perfect occasion for family, friends, and music lovers to come together.

Attendees are encouraged to arrive early, as the Clinton Middle School and High School Orchestras will grace the lobby with their performances starting at 7pm, setting the mood for an unforgettable night. The program boasts an array of holiday classics, including arrangements of "There’s Christmas in the Air," "Christmas Song" by Mel Torme/Robert Wells, "Song of the Bells" by Leroy Anderson, and "Festive Sounds of Hanukah." Additionally, the concert will feature "Sleigh Ride" by Leroy Anderson, "Christmas at the Movies," Handel's "Overture to Messiah," "A Most Wonderful Christmas," "Midwinter Rose" by Dana Calhoun, "O Holy Night" by Chip Davis, and "Christmas Festival" by Leroy Anderson.

This holiday concert by the Clinton Symphony Orchestra is not just a performance but an invitation to immerse yourself in the magic of the season through the power of music. Join us for an evening that celebrates the holidays with melodies that resonate with joy, nostalgia, and the spirit of togetherness.

Mel Torme

Events

Past events

Dec 20, 2025

Holiday Glories · La Crosse Symphony Orchestra

Dec 13, 2025

Home for the Holidays 2025 Matinee: Steve & Allison Martin · Holland Symphony Orchestra

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