The Helena Symphony Orchestra & Chorale celebrate the holiday season with two special concerts, from a masterwork in the Cathedral, to a fun-filled performance at the Civic Center for families.
Handel’s Messiah
On Sunday, December 2, at 7:30 p.m. in the Cathedral of St. Helena, the Helena Symphony officially begins the Helena holiday season with a long-awaited return of Handel’s Messiah. As the most popular work of music of any kind, including rock, jazz, or classical, Handel’s Messiah has become a Christmas favorite in the United States since the early 1900’s.
The Helena Symphony Orchestra & Chorale will be joined by four nationally renowned soloists, including noted Soprano Kristen Plumley, Mezzo Soprano Jan Wilson, Tenor David Cody, and Baritone Frederick Frey. Together the four soloists have collectively performed Handel’s Messiah hundreds of times.
“The work is nothing short of magical,” explains Maestro Scott, who has been nationally noted for his interpretation and understanding of the work. “Together with the soloists, the Helena Symphony Orchestra & Chorale will perform nearly every note of Handel’s loved masterpiece, and we do so with Handel’s dramatic intentions. Whether it has come to mean Christmas or a religious experience for Christians, or if the work is seen as an un-staged opera (per Handel’s intentions), Messiah is truly one of the greatest musical works in the history of mankind.”
Seating is very limited, and all seating is reserved. Tickets are $50, $35, $30, $25, and $20, and may be purchased at the Symphony’s offices at 48 Hibbard Way, by calling 406/442-1860 or by ordering online at www.helenasymphony.org.
Family Holiday Concert with Kid Konductors!
On Sunday, December 9, at 3:00 p.m. in the Helena Civic Center, the Helena Symphony Orchestra & Chorale continue to usher in the Christmas spirit with sounds of season, including favorite carols that celebrate the sacred and the secular sides of the time of year.
“After seven years and much public demand, we are bringing back Kid Konductors!,” explains Director of Artistic Planning Leatrice Lily. Children ages 3-12 sign up in the lobby prior to the concert or online at the Symphony’s website (www.helenasymphony.org) to conduct the Helena Symphony Orchestra & Chorale during the concert. A child from each age group (3-5, 6-8, and 9-12) is randomly selected, and is given a special conductor’s baton to keep. “Maestro Scott started Kid Konductors! over twenty-five years ago, and it has made enormous impact on children, as they are making decisions and leading over a hundred performers,” says Ms. Lily.
Sponsored by American Chemet and led by Apprentice Conductor Breanne Cepeda, this concert is performed without intermission as it is designed for all ages. The duration of the performance is about 70 minutes, and it is perfect for families to experience the holiday season in music. Tickets for this event are also reduced to accommodate families. Prices range from $10-$35, with additional discounts for children, and may be purchased at the Symphony’s offices at 48 Hibbard Way, by calling 406/442-1860 or by ordering online at www.helenasymphony.org.
From the colors of brass and the heart-warming strings, and the exciting Kid Konductors!, the Family Holiday Concert is an afternoon that brings the spirit of Christmas to the region. This performance is for “kids 1-92” years old.
Neither performance is part of the subscription series. For tickets or more information, contact the Helena Symphony at 406.442.1860 or helenasymphony.org, or at the Symphony Box Office located at 48 Hibbard Way, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.