Worthington Area Symphony Orchestra Presents Holiday Concert
The Worthington Area Symphony Orchestra (WASO) is preparing a charming, family-friendly concert titled “Classical Treasures” as a festive prelude to the holiday season. The performance will take place at 7 p.m. on November 15 at the Memorial Auditorium Performing Arts Center in Worthington.
Concert Highlights
The program includes several seasonal favorites and classical pieces designed to appeal to all ages. Kris Stewart, a WASO leadership team member and flutist, shared details about the concert’s closing selections:
“We’ll end the concert with a couple of Christmas selections — Mel Tormé’s cherished ‘The Christmas Song,’ and our traditional closer, Dan Goeller’s ‘A Christmas Carol Sing-Along.’”
Before the holiday tunes, audiences will enjoy other engaging works. Stewart highlighted the opening piece:
“Our first number, ‘The Light Cavalry Overture’ by Austrian composer Franz von Suppé, is an invigorating tune — one that most people will recognize by its sound if not by its name.”
Featured Symphony
WASO conductor Christopher Stanichar described another important work on the program:
“Also on the program is Nebraska native Howard Hanson’s ‘Symphony No. 2, Opus 30 in D-flat Major,’ commonly known as his ‘Romantic’ symphony. It’s a short American symphony that’s a little more serious.”
Stanichar further noted Hanson’s background and the symphony’s historical context:
“Howard Hanson went on to become a well-known teacher and mentor at the Eastman School of Music. He wrote this symphony during the Depression era, and it has a lot of hopefulness to it.”
Concert Experience
- Family-friendly and suitable for all ages
- Mix of lively overtures, romantic symphony, and festive holiday songs
- Traditional sing-along to conclude the evening
This concert promises to be a harmonious and uplifting way to welcome the upcoming holidays.
Author's summary: The Worthington Area Symphony Orchestra’s November 15 concert offers a festive blend of familiar overtures, a hopeful American symphony, and traditional holiday sing-alongs for all ages.