The Helena Symphony Orchestra & Chorale ushers in the holiday season with the time-honored Christmas in the Cathedral on Sunday, December 6 at 7:30 p.m. in the Cathedral of St. Helena. This concert is not part of the Masterworks Concert Series, and there is only one performance of this magical evening and is expected to sell out very quickly, so tickets should be purchased in advance. All seating is reserved.
The concert includes works by Italian composer Ottorino Respighi (well-known for his Pines of Rome), English composers Ralph Vaughan Williams and Benjamin Britten, and “Winter” from Vivaldi’s popular Four Seasons. “Much of this performance focuses on the humanity of the season,” explains Music Director Allan R. Scott. “We often forget that there is a real contradiction of Christmas, in that, for Christians, this person who comes to redeem mankind is born in such a meager, almost humiliating, setting. This has prompted so many painters, poets, and musicians to explore this incredibly wonderful dichotomy through art.”
Several soloists will join the Helena Symphony Orchestra & Chorale, including returning soloists Tenor David Cody and Mezzo Soprano Rachel Arky, along with soloists making their Helena Symphony debut Soprano Carly Beadle and Baritone Justin Ryan. Other featured artists include HSO Organist Joe Munzenrider performing the virtuosic organ solo to Britten’s Rejoice in the Lamb with the Symphony Chorale, and Concertmaster Stephen Cepeda performing the beloved “Winter” violin concerto from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons with Maestro Scott conducting from the harpsichord. Other works on the program include a “Coventry Carol,” Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on Christmas Carols, Respighi’s Laud to the Nativity and his Three Botticelli Paintings portraying the nativity scene.
“Amidst the joys of the season, Christmas (irrespective of one’s faith) is always a time of quiet and reflection,” suggests Maestro Scott. “The coldness of winter allows us to find an inner warmth that is equally spiritual and human, and we do this all through music.”
This is a Non-Series Concert and not part of the Masterworks Subscription Series. All seats are reserved, and tickets range from $52 to $22 dollars, plus an added $5 transaction fee. Tickets can be purchased online at helenasymphony.org 24 hours a day, or by calling the Symphony Box Office (406.442.1860), or at the Symphony Box Office located on the corner of the Walking Mall and Broadway (2 N. Last Chance Gulch, Suite 1) Monday through Friday, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.