Chicago Symphony Orchestra presents century's last Christmas Spectacular

Chicago Symphony Orchestra presents century's last Christmas Spectacular

For the fifth consecutive season, "Welcome Yule!" ushers in the holiday season at Symphony Center. Its five programs are a treat for children and Christmas-spirited adults alike.

Members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Chicago Symphony Chorus, the Chicago Children's Choir, and Percussion Scholarship Group, all under the baton of CSO Chorus Director Duain Wolfe, will perform traditional Christmas favorites; a sing-along will prompt audience participation as well. Rumor has it that Santa himself will make an appearance!

The Christmas Spectacular will be held at 7:30 p.m. tonight.

Traditional songs will include "We Wish You A Merry Christmas," "O Come, All Ye Faithful," "Deck The Halls," "Christmas Flourish" by Bass, "March of the Kings (Farandole) from "L'arlesienne Suite No. 2" "Fum, Mum, Fum" traditional/arr.

Shaw, "Jordnanas" by Fry, "This Christmastide" by Fraser; "Welcome, Yule!" by Mathias; "Hallelujah" from "Messiah" by Handel, "I's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" Handel, "Skier's Waltz" by Wilson, "Christmas Menace" by Fry, "The Sleigh Ride" by L. Mozart, "Christmas in Chicago" and "Good Night" and "Merry Christmas."

William Eddins, resident conductor for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra will conduct "The Millennium New Year's Eve Gala" with members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra featuring Andrea Marcovicci, vocalist as soloist Friday, Dec. 31 at 9 p.m.

On New Year's Eve 1999, Orchestra Hall audiences will end the year-and the twentieth century-with dinner, music, champagne, and dancing `til dawn. Guest artist and cabaret song stylist Andrea Marcovicci will interpret the history of American popular song.

The Millennium New Year's Eve Gala is sure to showcase Symphony Center at its most festive occasion with music, sing, a balloon drop, party favors and dancing.

Supper club singer extraor-dinaire Marcovicci's appearance marks the second time that she has graced the Orchestra Hall stage. She is among the new generation of singers and pursues an active concert and cabaret schedule throughout the country.

Article Copyright Sengstacke Enterprises, Inc.

Photo (Chicago Symphony Orchestra)