A turkey and some mistletoe might make the season bright, but nothing heralds the holidays like music. This year the Detroit Symphony Orchestra celebrates the holidays with 20 performances over a three-week period through Sunday, December 23 featuring a diverse mix of musical styles from Baroque to jazz to magical children's events.
In the mix are great DSO traditions such as performances of Handel's Messiah and the annual "Home for the Holidays" Pops concerts along with all-new holiday shows such as a very cool "A Charlie Brown Christmas" with jazz pianist Cyrus Chestnut; "Michael McDonald Holiday Greetings" starring 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.
The DSO Holiday Festival kicks off with two special presentations of The Nutcracker performed by the Detroit Symphony Civic Orchestra, the DSO's premiere classical youth ensemble, on Saturday, December 1 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.; and Sunday, December 2 at 3 p.m. in the Detroit School of Arts' (123 Selden Ave., Detroit) Ford Theater Auditorium. The production features two principal dancers from the New York City Ballet, Yvonne Borree and Andrew Veyette, and Taylor Ballet Americana, a metro Detroit regional ballet company. Led by DSO Civic conductor Charles Burke, the performances offer a great introduction to Tchaikovsky's timeless ballet and also support the growth and talent of the Detroit area's young musicians and dancers.
Baroque music is a holiday tradition at Orchestra Hall, and this year the DSO performs perhaps the most popular, recognizable and beloved work of the Baroque repertoire - Vivaldi's The Four Seasons - on Thursday, December 6 at 8 p.m.; Friday, December 7 at 10:45 a.m.; and Saturday, December 8 at 8:30 p.m. as part of the Chrysler Foundation Signature Series. 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 intriguing insight into even the most familiar classical music. For those who want to delve even deeper, the performance of The Four Seasons on Friday, December 7 at 8 p.m. is part of the "DSO Unmasked" series. Hosted by CBC Radio's Tom Allen, this series is designed to be a fresh and evolving exploration of non-traditional concert presentation styles.
"Handel's Magnificent Messiah" returns to The Max this year on Saturday, December 8 at 3 p.m. and Sunday, December 9 at 3 p.m. where it will be heard as it was meant to be, in the splendor of the perfect acoustics of Orchestra Hall. The performance will feature four renowned vocal soloists - soprano Suzie LeBlanc, countertenor Robin Blaze, tenor Joseph Gaines, and bass Matthew Hargreaves - as well as the Michigan State University Chorale. These DSO performances of The 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 in England and Principal Guest Conductor of Music of the Baroque in Chicago.
Multi Grammy Award-winner Michael McDonald takes over the Orchestra Hall stage on Tuesday, December 11 at 8 p.m. to present "On This Night." 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 holiday season. He is joined by his band and favorite backup singers. (The DSO does not appear on this program).
One of the most anticipated DSO concerts series of the year arrives for six performances when the DTE Energy Foundation Pops series presents "Home for the Holidays" in Orchestra Hall (Dec. 13 at 10:45 a.m. and 8 p.m.; Dec 14 at 8:30 p.m.; Dec. 15 at 3 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.; and Dec. 16 at 3 p.m.). These family-friendly and heartwarming concerts capture the essence of the season with a mix of carols and songs from around the world. Each concert includes a visit from Old St. Nick and a Yuletide sing-a-long. Special entertainment events occur throughout The Max lobby before 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 synonymous to the holidays as "Jingle Bells." In 2000, celebrated jazz pianist Cyrus Chestnut recorded his own bestselling Charlie Brown Christmas album, and on Friday, December 21 at 8 p.m., he brings "Peanuts" to life in Orchestra Hall with a LaSalle Bank Paradise Jazz Series concert spotlighting music from the beloved TV special. For those looking for a hip way to swing into the season, Chestnut and his band will fit the bill.
The weekend before Christmas at The Max is all about kids. It begins with a holiday Macy's Super Saturday at The Max on December 22, a morning event that includes both a National City Young People's Concerts at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. and a Tiny Tots concert at 10:30am. The YPC performances in Orchestra Hall of "The Night Before Christmas" welcome back Resident Conductor Thomas Wilkins who brings his magical touch to a program of holiday favorites and classical works. Making a special appearance is broadcaster Charles Pugh from FOX 2 News who will narrate the title work.
Meanwhile, in The Music Box, young children ages 3 to 6 can enjoy a Tiny Tots concert by Southpaw Isle and the Patterson Rhythm Pace Dance Company with Caribbean style steel band music and the giant xylophone known as an embaire. Ticket holders to 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 make an appearance to greet children!
The DSO Holiday Festival concludes with a blockbuster show on December 23 at 3 p.m. that introduces classical music to children with the help of one of the most iconic toys of all time. Barbie at the Symphony is a special presentation of the best-selling Barbie "Princess" movies. The series of six CGI animated films feature Barbie singing and dancing to well-known and beloved 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 the music and dance of ballets such as The Nutcracker and Swan Lake. Now, families can enjoy the classical music from the films played live in Orchestra Hall by the DSO while watching corresponding scenes on the big screen. -- www.detroitsymphony.com
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