On Sunday, Dec. 21, the 70 members of the Lake County Symphony will be joined by a delegation of local singers — including two of the area”s best-known vocalists — in presenting a full program of holiday favorites, including both secular and songs of faith. The concert will take place at Lakeport”s Soper-Reese Theatre at 3 p.m.
The orchestra”s conductor and music director, John Parkinson, will lead his musicians through a program consisting of holiday hits from composers ranging from Victor Herbert to Vince Guaraldi to Leroy Anderson. Some of the numbers will feature one of Lake County”s favorite vocalists Shelly Trumbo-Mascari. A resident of Hidden Valley Lake, her performing and recording credentials include a nationally-released solo album. She has toured the U.S. and internationally on behalf of the U.S. Government, and has also won acclaim among Lake County concert goers. Also, appearing for the first time with the symphony, will be local resident Roger Smith. Both vocalists will sing numbers arranged in a jazz style by Parkinson.
The concert will open with the symphony Youth Orchestra, led by Sue Condit, playing two selections. The first, ”Angels Bach has Heard on High” is arranger Owen Goldsmith”s idea of what this traditional French melody would sound like if performed by Johan Sebastian Bach. Condit”s young charges get the chance to travel through a number of Christmas themes in her second selection entitled “Traditions of Christmas — Carols from Europe” arranged by Stephen Bulla. This piece contains familiar strains from such numbers as “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” “Oh how joyfully” and others including that same “Angels we have Heard on High” only this time in the original mode.
The perennial sing-along with the audience joining in on ”Joy to the World,” ”Oh Come all ye Faithful,” ”Silent Night” and others will again be a mainstay of the program as it has for many years, as well as the grand finale with everyone , performers and audience alike, singing Handel”s ”Hallelujah Chorus.”
Since the holiday concert is one of the year”s most popular it is recommended that those planning to attend get seat reservations as soon as possible. General admission is $25 while premium seating is $30, with a discount of $5 for both for Symphony Association members. Reservations may be obtained on-line at www.soperreesetheatre.com or by phone at 263-0577. Tickets are also available on Fridays from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Soper-Reese box office, 275 S. Main St., in Lakeport.
There will also be an open rehearsal starting at 11 a.m. to which people 17 and younger are invited free of charge, while others pay only $5.
