Friday, Dec. 28 2012 4:50PM
Holiday magic
A Review of the Lee’s Summit Symphony Holiday Concerts by Gary Fruits
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ReprintPatrons of all ages, sizes and shapes were treated to a wonderful “Holiday Magic” concert on Dec. 8.Whether you attended the matinee or evening concert the music was simply majestic.
Under the direction of Conductor/Music Director, Russell Berlin, Jr. patrons heard a beautiful selection of holiday music from the Lee’s Summit Symphony and the beautiful voices of the Lee’s Summit Youth Chorale directed by Dr. Verna Brummett and watched in amazement, Phyllis Balagna’s Steppin Out dancers – all putting patrons in the holiday spirit.
The concert opened with Leroy Anderson’s “A Chirstmas Festival.” Mr. Anderson had that unique ability to put music patrons in the “right” mood and he did no less in this piece.
“Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” is a key music element for a holiday concert presentation. This piece was bombastic, majestic and regal – showing both the strength and preciseness of the musicians. You wanted to get up and march to the tune.
The voices of the Lee’s Summit Youth Chorale accompanied by Symphony Musicians, Jill Brock, Harpsichord; Sheri Marrson, Oboe and Michael Berrsin, Cello were simply clean, pure and absolutely beautiful as they performed “Domine Deus, Angus Dei” by Antonio Vivaldi.
“Why We Sing” by the Lee’s Summit Youth Chorale was so melodic and harmonic – what beautiful voices.
“The Nutcracker” has become a part of the American holiday concert tradition! The Steppin Out dance troup was beautiful, elegant, and very charming to patrons. From the Overture to the Waltz of the Flowers, the dancers were beautifully costumed and danced with great precision and timing. The Symphony added the great music of Tchaikovshy with perfection.
”It’s Christmastime Medley” by Calvin Custer was both moving and beautiful with great parts for all of the sections of the Symphony. This was a piece the put all patrons in the Spirit.
Of course, the “Radetzky March by Johann Strauss Sr., has become a standard in the holiday music programs for Symphonies all over the world. Not to be left out or out done, the Lee’s Summit Symphony presented the Radetzky with the assistance of the Jolly Old Elf, Santa Claus! He successfully led concert patrons in vigorously clapping to the very pronounced beat of the march – always fun and always enjoyable.
And of course, it would not be a Holiday concert without Leroy Anderson’s Sleighride. Both Russell Berlin and Santa conducted the Symphony in this piece – always a crowd pleaser.
See you Mar. 9 for the Family Pops concert. Happy Holidays!
