Springfield Symphony Orchestra, Springfield, MA
December 8, 2018
by Jarice Hanson
Holiday concerts are expected to have at least a smattering
of familiar tunes and seasonal jokes, but the Springfield Symphony Orchestra’s
holiday program also celebrated the diversity of the community and the talent
of many musical artists with a program that left the audience with a smile on
their faces and warmth in their hearts.
From the time conductor Nick Palmer bounded onto the podium
in red pants with candy canes, members of the Symphony, and the Springfield
Symphony Chorus treated the audience to seasonal favorites and some special
numbers that captured the magic of the holiday season.
Special guests including the Children’s Chorus of
Springfield, Mary Lambert, Cantor Elise Barber, the Extended Family Choir, and
young Brynn Cartelli, winner of NBC’s “The Voice” entertained the enthusiastic
audience with songs and musical renditions that reflected a myriad of musical
styles appealing to all ages. It was obvious that many families were
introducing their youngest members to an evening at the symphony, and the
children were treated to a few special appearances by Santa, who at one point,
ascended the podium and conducted “Sleigh Ride” with some comic hip swings and
an appropriately jaunty attitude.
The first hour of the concert featured a number of familiar
tunes along with Cantor Elise Barber’s soulful interpretation of “Ki Eilecha”
and “Ocho Kandelikas,” but the second hour left no doubt that the Springfield
Symphony Orchestra is a first class musical organization. Their two selections,
“Wizards in Winter” and “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24” were breathtaking in
their complexity, complementarity, and musicianship.
All received a well-deserved standing ovation for providing
the sold-out audience with an evening of warmth and heart, despite the frigid
temperature outside.
