Sault Symphony Delights with Festive Concert on December 7

The Sault Symphony Orchestra is set to enchant audiences with its annual holiday concert, titled Yuletide Splendour, on December 7, 2023, at The Machine Shop. This festive performance promises a delightful array of Christmas classics, reflecting a growing demand for holiday music following the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Music director Stephen Mallinger has taken note of the community’s desire for celebratory music. “People couldn’t do anything celebratory,” he remarked, emphasizing the joy found in returning to live performances. The symphony’s revival in 2022 saw concert-goers “come out in droves,” eager to embrace the festive spirit.

The concert will commence with Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s Christmas Overture, which features beloved carols such as “Good King Wenceslas” and “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.” Following this, the audience will be treated to String a Song of Christmas, incorporating six cherished holiday tunes, including “Away in a Manger” and “Silent Night.”

For those yearning for more Christmas melodies, the program includes Victor Hely-Hutchinson’s A Carol Symphony, which artfully weaves four classic carols into a grand symphonic experience. Mallinger praised Hely-Hutchinson’s ability to transform these songs into a rich orchestral soundscape, stating, “It’s pretty amazing how he can transform them.”

This year, approximately 30 students from the Algoma Conservatory of Music and the STARS program at Soo Theatre in Michigan will join the symphony for the performance, marking the second consecutive year for this collaboration. Mallinger expressed excitement about the partnership, highlighting the energy and enthusiasm young musicians bring to the stage. “It was great fun,” he said of last year’s collaboration, noting the inspiration it offers to aspiring musicians.

As the concert progresses, the second half will be anchored by Jean Sibelius’ Symphony No. 3, a piece that Mallinger describes as thrilling. “Sibelius is a fantastic composer. He doesn’t make you wait long to really hear some really great big playing in the orchestra,” he explained. The symphony will reach a dramatic crescendo within the first two minutes, captivating the audience.

The concert will conclude with a segment titled A Most Wonderful Christmas, featuring additional holiday favorites like “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.”

The concert begins at 14:00, with tickets priced at $54 for adults and $34 for students. Admission is free for children under 12. Tickets can be purchased at the Community Theatre Box Office at Station Mall or online at saultctc.ca.

As the holiday season approaches, the Sault Symphony Orchestra aims to spread joy through music, creating memorable experiences for concert-goers of all ages. The upcoming performance stands as a testament to the resilience of the arts community and the enduring spirit of the holiday season.