Percussion players stand ready while rehearsing ‘O Holy Night’. Photo by Elizabeth Allen

COMMUNITY News:

Los Alamos Symphony Orchestra presents its annual Holiday Pops Concert, 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, at Crossroads Bible Church.

This free event is provided to the community as a gift from the Los Alamos Symphony. This concert includes some favorite traditions, including a sing-along and a drawing for a member of the audience to conduct “Jingle Bells” – which is a highlight for all ages who attend.

The last time the symphony provided their annual Holiday Pops concert was in 2019.

“This is always such a fun concert to conduct,” Conductor Tjett Gerdom said. “There are always classic songs the public love to hear, as well as beautiful numbers that highlight the amazing talent in our town.”

The symphony will play a variety of musical styles, from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker “Pas de Deux” to Hollywood classics of “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” and a jazzy “Holiday Rock at the Pops”. With a full symphony orchestra, including brass, woodwinds, strings and percussion, many different instruments can be highlighted during the concert.

“An audience favorite of this concert has always been “Sleigh Ride” – a favorite of all sections in the orchestra as well,” Violinist Jackie MacFarland said.

The Los Alamos Symphony Orchestra (LASO) Board of Directors has designated the annual holiday concert as their scholarship fundraising event. Since January 2016 through this year, 24 high school musicians have received $8,300 in support of their college studies. LASO board hopes that its support encourages them to pursue a life-long interest studying and playing music. Please join LASO by making a contribution at the door, clicking on the Donate link at LosAlamosSymphony.org. All donations are tax deductible.