Magic is afoot as December approaches with its sparkling lights, delightful laughter, open hearts, magnificent music, voices raised in melodious song – and polished brass.
Trumpets and horns herald in the season of Christmas festivities and announce the arrival of Nanaimo’s traditional family Christmas with the Vancouver Island Symphony.
Artistic director Pierre Simard conducts not only the symphony, but also its Brass Players, the Malaspina Choir and the audience (for the annual sing-along) in A Brassy Christmas on Saturday (Dec. 3) at 7:30 p.m. at the Port Theatre.
In A Brassy Christmas, the musicians who normally sit at the back of the orchestra – the trumpet, trombone, French horn and tuba players – become the feature artists. Under the direction of Stevan Paranosic, principal trumpet and music arranger, they present those vibrant and spine-tingling sounds of brass that over the centuries have heralded special events and celebrations and at Christmas time bring the joy and hope that the season offers.
Concert-goers will hear Handel’s Joy to the World, O Holy Night, selections from The Nutcracker and the Messiah. Patricia Plumley narrates the classic poem Twas the Night Before Christmas, written by Clement Clarke Moore, accompanied by trumpeter Anthony DiLorenzo.
Tickets for A Brassy Christmas are $52; $49/seniors; $20/students. Please call 250-754-8550 or visit www.porttheatre.com.
For more information, please visit www.vancouverislandsymphony.com.
