Sounds of the Season: Saint Joseph Symphony announces date for ‘Holiday Cheer’ concert in December

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- While the calendar hasn't flipped to December just yet, holiday festivities are quickly lining up in preparation for the upcoming season.

The Saint Joseph Symphony announced its annual holiday performance is scheduled to kick off at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 20, at the historic Missouri Theater, offering residents a chance to enjoy the festive sounds of the holiday season once again.

From carols and symphonic holiday pieces to group sing-a-longs, audience members will experience a blend of holiday classics and new orchestra arrangements at this year's show, led by veteran music director Christopher Kelts.

“Holiday Cheer is one of our favorite concerts of the season because it brings the entire community together to celebrate through music,” Executive Director Nancy Schmidt-Brunson stated in a release. “This year we are excited to be visited by one of Santa’s favorite elves, who will be joining us for our pre-concert party and also guest conducting the SJS during the concert."

This year’s performance will also feature a special guest in Kansas City-based soprano Anna Mandina. Mandina will perform classical pieces associated with the holiday as well as more contemporary selections.

The Holiday Cheer concert is made possible with support from the Allied Arts Council, the Missouri Arts Council, the St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau and private donations from area residents.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.saintjosephsymphony.org or by calling the Symphony office at (816)-233-770.