Ho, Ho, Ho! WSO holiday concert to feature a tropical twist
WSO holiday concert to feature a tropical twist
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and the Washington Symphony Orchestra is ringing in the season with its much-anticipated annual Christmas performance – and this year, the concert has an island vibe.
“Ho, Ho, Ho, With the WSO: With a Tropical Twist” will combine traditional Christmas favorites with songs featuring a tropical sound, including “Mele Kalikimaka,” the sunny holiday tune popularized by Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters in 1950.
Joining the talented WSO musicians for the Caribbean-influenced celebration will be the Canon-McMillan Steel Drum Ensemble and the All Star High School Choir.
“In Southwestern Pennsylvania, we’re used to snow and cold and carols that talk about a white Christmas. This isn’t going to be that,” said Yugo Ikach, WSO’s conductor and musical director. “We’ll have the traditional carols that people are familiar with, but we’re also letting our hair down a bit. Think Jimmy Buffet and steel drums and a Caribbean flair, something you don’t typically see in this area.”
The performances are scheduled for Dec. 20 at 3 and 7:30 p.m., and Dec. 21 at
3 p.m. at Olin Fine Arts Center on the campus of Washington & Jefferson College.
Patrons are invited to wear their best Hawaiian attire.
“The students are really excited about the chance to play with some great musicians, to perform for the community, and to represent the school district,” said Canon-McMillan band director Eric Schrader, who is director of the steel drum band. “All four of the songs we’re playing are upbeat, and we will be breaking out the Hawaiian-type shirts and probably they’ll be wearing Santa hats.”
For many, the WSO Christmas concert is a holiday tradition, and the musical selections are designed to appeal to people of all ages.
On the playlist are favorites including “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” “Frosty the Snowman,” “Feliz Navidad,” and “Little Saint Nick.”
“We really love doing the Christmas show. It’s a staple for a lot of people in the community, both the musicians and patrons. There are families who have come to the Christmas show for over a decade and it is a part of the Christmas celebration,” said Cassandra Muhr, WSO’s general manager. “Christmastime is one of the biggest times of year for musicians. When you see the joy on people’s faces, it’s so fulfilling. We love seeing everyone come to the shows in their holiday gear and filled with joy.”
WSO played its first concert in 2002, and over the past quarter-century it has grown from 35 volunteer musicians to nearly 70 musicians who perform under the direction of Ikach.
“Our musicians are home-grown,” Ikach said. “The vast majority of our players are volunteers who are successful in their fields and excel in their careers. We have amazing scholars, very successful business people, attorneys, dental hygienists, and one of our bassoonists was the Nurse of the Year – and we all share a love of music and all work together to produce a good product. There is a level of teamwork that you’d expect to see from a football team that reaches the Super Bowl. And I so appreciate our audience, and I like to think that we’re creating an experience that is meaningful to them.”
John Mounts, owner of Mounts Engineering & Surveying, is a violist for WSO and has played with the orchestra for 23 years.
“I enjoy being a part of the arts and culture scene in Washington. Performing at the Christmas show is special. The community has always been generous about supporting us, and I think people will really like the Calypso-style music that will be featured,” said Mounts.
WSO concerts sell out quickly, but to check ticket availability, visit www.washsym.org or call 412-512-1662.