| By Marilou Carlin
A turkey and some mistletoe might make the season bright, but nothing heralds the holidays like music. For hundreds of years the holiday season has been accompanied by music, be it glorious (Handel’s Messiah) or silly (“I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus”), religious (“O Come All Ye Faithful”) or secular (“Frosty the Snowman”), Elizabethan (“What Child is This”) or the blues (“Bells Will Be Ringing”). The Detroit Symphony Orchestra celebrates all of these musical styles and more during its Holiday Festival (Dec. 1 – 23) when concerts for music lovers of all ages and musical tastes fill The Max with the sounds of the season.
This year brings the return of great DSO traditions – including performances of Messiah and the annual “Home for the Holidays” Pops concerts – along with all-new holiday shows. New additions include a LaSalle Bank Paradise Jazz concert, “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” with dazzling jazz pianist Cyrus Chestnut; “Michael McDonald Holiday Greetings” featuring the great Doobie Brothers vocalist; and “Barbie™ at the Symphony,” a multi-media extravaganza featuring the DSO and clips from the best-selling Barbie™ “Princess” movies, including “Barbie in The 12 Dancing Princesses,” and “Barbie as The Island Princess.”
The DSO Holiday Festival is an affordable way for the whole family to come together during this festive season. You can “unwrap” the DSO in December with tickets priced as low as $19. Call (313) 576-5111 or visit detroitsymphony.com to order tickets.
The DSO Holiday Festival kicks off with very special presentations of The Nutcracker performed by the Detroit Symphony Civic Orchestra, the DSO’s premiere youth classical ensemble, and Taylor Ballet Americana and two principal dancers from the New York City Ballet (Dec. 1 - 2). The performances reunite the Civic Youth Orchestra and Taylor Ballet following their stellar debut collaboration for The Nutcracker last year, which resulted in sold-out shows, and take place at the Detroit School of Arts’ (123 Selden Ave., Detroit) Ford Theater for the Arts Auditorium. This is a great opportunity to experience Tchaikovsky’s timeless ballet while also supporting and enjoying the tremendous talent of the Detroit area’s young musicians and dancers.
Baroque music is always a part of the holiday mix and this year the DSO performs what is perhaps the most popular, recognizable and beloved work of the Baroque repertoire: Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons (Dec. 6 – 8). Leading these concerts is one of the world’s foremost experts in Baroque music, Nicholas McGegan, who is also celebrated for his delightful stage commentary and ability to provide greater insight into even the most familiar classical music. For those who want to delve even deeper, the concert on Dec. 7 is a “DSO Unmasked” performance with CBC Radio’s Tom Allen as host. Allen will offer pre-concert commentary and engage in a post-concert discussion with McGegan. And don’t forget to tune in to WRCJ 90.9 FM on Sunday, Dec. 2 at 3 p.m. to hear McGegan talk more about “The Red Priest” (aka Vivaldi) with host Jimmy Rhoades on the program also titled “DSO Unmasked.”
“Handel’s Magnificent Messiah” returns to The Max this year (Dec. 8 - 9) where it can be heard as it was meant to be – in the splendor of the near perfect acoustics of Orchestra Hall, one of the world’s greatest music venues. Featuring the Michigan State University Chorale and four renowned vocal soloists, these DSO performances of Messiah will be led by Nicholas Kraemer, a conductor who is acclaimed for his work with period orchestras and for his expert knowledge of Baroque repertoire. Kraemer is Permanent Guest Conductor of the Manchester Camerata and Principal Guest Conductor of Music of the Baroque in Chicago.
On Dec. 11, multi-Grammy Award winner Michael McDonald takes the Orchestra Hall stage to present one of his legendary holiday concerts. McDonald, whose soulful and impeccable vocals have been thrilling audiences since his stints with Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers in the 1980s, has recorded two holiday albums: In the Spirit in 2001 and Through the Many Winters in 2005. Both feature McDonald’s distinctive interpretations of classic carols and songs, along with some of his own compositions inspired by the season. While the DSO does not appear on this program, McDonald will be joined by his band and back-up singers.
One of the most popular DSO concert series of the entire year takes over in mid-December (Dec. 13 – 16) when the DTE Energy Foundation Pops series presents “Home for the Holidays.” These heartwarming concerts capture the essence of the holidays with a mix of carols and songs from around the world along with a Yuletide sing-a-long that the whole family can enjoy. Each concert includes a visit from old St. Nick, and special entertainment and events will take place throughout The Max at each performance.
Ever since the animated “A Charlie Brown Christmas” special began airing in 1965, the film’s soundtrack by the Vince Guaraldi Trio has become as ubiquitous to the holidays as “Jingle Bells” or any other Christmas carol. Pianist Cyrus Chestnut was introduced to jazz by that soundtrack and learned to play the score while in high school. In 2000 he recorded his own bestselling Charlie Brown Christmas album, and now he brings the “Peanuts” holidays to life with a live concert of music from the beloved TV special (Dec. 21). For those looking for a hip way to swing into the season, Chestnut and his band will lead the way.
The last weekend before Christmas at The Max is, appropriately, all about kids. It begins with a special holiday Macy’s Super Saturday at The Max (Dec. 22), a morning event that includes both National City Young People’s Concerts and a Tiny Tots concert. The YPC performances in Orchestra Hall are titled “The Night Before Christmas” and welcome back Resident Conductor Thomas Wilkins who brings his magic touch to a program of holiday favorites and classical works. Making a special appearance is Charles Pugh from FOX 2 News who will narrate the title work.
Meanwhile, in The Music Box, young children ages 3 to 6 will enjoy a Tiny Tots concert by Southpaw Isle and the Patterson Rhythm Pace Dance Company. Little ones will celebrate the holidays Caribbean style, with steel band music and the giant xylophone known as an embaire. Ticket holders to any of the Super Saturday performances will also enjoy the free “KidZone” featuring an instrument petting zoo, balloon artists, arts & crafts and meet ‘n’ greets with DSO musicians. And of course Santa Claus will be on hand all morning long, along with his many helpers!
The DSO Holiday Festival concludes with a blockbuster show that introduces classical music to children with the help of one of the most iconic toys of all time. Barbie™ at the Symphony (Dec. 23) is a special presentation of the best-selling Barbie™ “Princess” movies. The series of six CGI animated films features Barbie™ singing and dancing to some of the world’s best-loved musical scores, with ballet sequences choreographed by Peter Martins of the New York City Ballet. Released in over 30 languages, these popular films have introduced millions of children to ballets such as The Nutcracker and Swan Lake and the timeless music to which they are set. Now, for the first time, families can enjoy the classical music from the films, played live by the DSO, while watching favorite scenes on the big screen.
From Vivaldi to Barbie and from Charlie Brown to the Hallelujah Chorus, there is nothing like live holiday concerts to deliver the spirit of the season. Just follow the DSO in merry measure! Fa la la la la la la la la!Carlin is a freelance writer and public relations agent. She can be reached at mca
Marilou Carlin is a freelance writer and public relations agent. She can be reached at mcarlin@carlinpr.com.
2007 DSO HOLIDAY FESTIVAL PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
Detroit Symphony Civic Orchestra
THE NUTCRACKER
Charles Burke, conductor
Taylor Ballet Americana, dancers
Sat, Dec. 1 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Sun., Dec. 2 at 3 p.m.
DSA Ford Theater for the Arts Auditorium, 123 Selden Ave.
Ticket prices are general admission, $25.
DSO Classical Series
Chrysler Foundation Signature Series
THE FOUR SEASONS
Nicholas McGegan, conductor
Jennifer Koh, violin
Detroit Symphony Orchestra
Thu., Dec. 6 at 8 p.m.
Fri., Dec. 7 at 10:45 a.m. and 8 p.m., "Classics: Unmasked"
Sat., Dec. 8 at 8:30 p.m.
VIVALDI The Four Seasons
REBEL Les Élémens
From the gloom of winter to the awakening of spring, Vivaldi's vivid depiction of the seasons is one of the most beloved works of all time -- not to mention its popularity as a ring tone.
Ticket prices range from $20 - $71. A limited number of box seats are available for $65 - $123.
Special Event
HANDEL'S MAGNIFICENT MESSIAH
Detroit Symphony Orchestra
Nicholas Kraemer, conductor / Suzie LeBlanc, soprano /
Robin Blaze, countertenor / Michael Schade, tenor / Matthew Hargreaves, bass
Michigan State University Chorale
Sat., Dec. 8 at 3 p.m./ Sun., Dec. 9 at 3 p.m.
HANDEL The Messiah
Join family and friends to celebrate with Handel's beloved masterpiece. It's the season's most beautiful musical tradition as only the DSO in Orchestra Hall can do it.
Ticket prices range from $19 - $50. A limited number of box seats are available for $65.
Special Event
MICHAEL MCDONALD
"On This Night"
Tue., Dec. 11 at 8 p.m.
Ever since his days as the lead vocalist/keyboardist for the Doobie Brothers, Michael McDonald has become one of the most recognizable voices in the Adult Contemporary genre. Join him for a holiday special as he delivers his signature fusion of R&B and soul.
Ticket prices range $19 - $65. A limited number of box seats are available at $125.
DTE Energy Foundation DSO Pops Series
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Thu., Dec. 13 at 10:45 AM and 8 PM / Fri., Dec. 14 at 8:30 PM / Sat., Dec. 15 at 8:30 PM / Sun., Dec. 16 at 3 PM
Ring in the season with one of Detroit's favorite holiday traditions. This year come Home for the Holidays and enjoy an evening of carols, a yuletide sing-along and a visit from Jolly Ole St. Nick. Bring your family and friends and experience the warmth and joy of the season at the DSO.
" A non-subscription matinee will be presented Saturday, December 15 at 3 PM
Ticket prices range from $15 to $71. A limited number of box seats are available, priced from $100 to $105.
LaSalle Bank Paradise Jazz Series
CYRUS CHESTNUT
A Charlie Brown Christmas
Fri., Dec. 21 at 8 p.m.
The holidays don't officially arrive until you hear Vince Guaraldi's music from A Charlie Brown Christmas. Cyrus Chestnut infuses these classic charts with a sparkle that is hard to beat. It's an evening of good tidings, good cheer and great music.
Ticket Prices range from $19 - $60. A limited number of box seats are available at $99.
Macy's Super Saturdays at The Max
National City Young People's Concert
THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
Thomas Wilkins, conductor
Charles Pugh, narrator
Ticket Prices range from $10 to $27. A limited number of box seats are available at $46.
Macy's Super Saturdays at The Max
Tiny Tots
SOUTHPAW ISLE AND PATTERSON RHYTHM PACE DANCE COMPANY
Sat, Dec 22 at 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
Ticket Prices are $12, General Admission.
Special Event
BARBIE™ AT THE SYMPHONY
Detroit Symphony Orchestra
Sun., Dec. 23 at 3 p.m.
For the first time ever, all of your favorite scenes from the best-selling Barbie™ Princess movies come to life on a giant screen above the orchestra as the DSO plays the music LIVE!
Ticket Prices range from $19 - $50. A limited number of box seats are available for $60.
TICKETS
Tickets for Detroit Symphony Orchestra Holiday Festival presentations can be purchased at the Max M. Fisher Music Center Box office (3711 Woodward Ave); by phone at (313) 576-5111; or online at www.detroitsymphony.com. All performances at the Max M. Fisher Music Center unless otherwise noted.
Concert Ticket Price Range Box Seats
The Nutcracker (Civic Orchestra) $25 N/A
The Four Seasons $20 - $71 $65 - 123
Handel's Magnificent Messiah $19 - 50 $65
Michael McDonald "On This Night $19 - $65 $125
Home for the Holidays (DSO Pops) $15 - $71 $100 - $105
Cyrus Chestnut A Charlie Brown Christmas $19 - $60 $99
YPC: The Night Before Christmas $10 - $46 $46
Tiny Tots Southpaw Isle and Patterson Rhythm Pace Dance Company $12 N/A
Barbie™ at the Symphony $19 - $50 $60
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