The annual Christmas concert of the Lake County Symphony is being moved from Kelseyville to Lakeport, according to Paul Brewer, president of Clear Lake Performing Arts, the symphony”s sponsoring organization. Brewer said the move was prompted by the urgent need to make a number of changes to the new all-purpose room at Kelseyvillle High School during the holiday recess. The event had been scheduled to take place there.
The concert, which has proven to be very popular in the past, will now take place at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 17, in the Marge Alakszay Center, which is the auditorium for both Clear Lake High and Terrace Middle schools in Lakeport.
John Parkinson, who directs the Lake County Symphony, has created a program of mixed classical and popular seasonal works, starting with the famous Christmas Concerto by Arcangelo Corelli and featuring the Symphony strings. Featured in particular will be violinists Andi Skelton and Christer Tepper, as well as bassoonist Ann Hubbard, pinch-hitting for lead cellist John Weeks. Corelli (1653-1713) started his musical career as a violinist and his love of strings is apparent in his works, especially after he switched his primary efforts to composition. He was a major factor in the establishment of the baroque musical forms.
The orchestra will also play excerpts from another holiday classic, Tschaikowsky”s “Nutcracker Suite,” as well as a number of contemporary favorites inluding Leroy Anderson”s “Sleigh Ride,” “Greensleeves,” “Let it Snow” and others. The audience is invited to join in a sing-along medley of Christmas music, ending with the “Hallelujah Chorus” from Handel”s “The Messiah.”
Conductor Parkinson, who is also well-known for his talents in jazz composition, has adapted several seasonal numbers to showcase guest soloist Paula Samonte, who will be backed by the symphony. Samonte is a jazz singer and actress who has proven in the past to be very popular with Lake County music lovers.
Another feature of the concert will be a presentation by the Lake County Youth Orchestra, under the direction of Wes Follett.
Brewer noted that for the first time in CLPA”s 28 year history an admission fee will be charged for the Christmas Concert. “Our costs have escalated every year for the past decade and it”s no longer possible for us to absorb all the costs of a program as outstanding as this concert has become,” he said.
Admission is $15 for the general public, $10 for CLPA members with youths 17 and younger admitted free. Those seeking additional information may call 279-0877.
