Name: John Williams & The Planets
Start: 2026-05-15T19:30:00
Location: Lake Michigan College Mendel Center

Timothy McAllister

Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra

‘Tis the season to revel with the SMSO! Immerse yourself in an evening of joy, cherished traditions, and a melodic journey through holiday favorites. This festive celebration features the harmonious talents of local performing arts groups coming together in a heartwarming showcase of our vibrant and talented community.

A special guest narrator will welcome children onstage to enjoy a live reading of The Night Before Christmas brought to life with music accompaniment. Concert attendees are invited to enter a drawing for a chance to receive a quick and fun “Conducting 101” lesson onstage with Music Director Matt Aubin before leading our Orchestra on Sleigh Ride!

Merry & Bright

Lake Michigan College Mendel Center

Music often moves forward by looking back. In her sparkling Concerto for String Orchestra, composer Grażyna Bacewicz channels the rhythmic vitality and clarity of Baroque traditions through a modern lens. The evening also features Laurentia Woo (violin), the Gold Medal Winner of the Stulberg International String Competition, bringing youthful brilliance to a concerto from the Classical era. The program closes with Franz Schubert’s graceful Fifth Symphony, an affectionate homage to Mozart’s elegance and clarity.