Christmas with the St. Louis Symphony

'Tis the season to celebrate Christmas with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra! Peter Henderson (SLSO Principal Keyboard player joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his time with the SLSO, what he loves about playing Christmas programs with the SLSO, what makes these programs so special for the St. Louis community, and the line up for this year's celebration. Learn more about how you can attend at slso.org.--------------------------------------------------------------------------Handel’s Messiah | Joyful PraiseFriday, December 12, 7:30 CSTSaturday, December 13, 7:30 CSTSunday, December 14, 3:00 CST Nicholas McGegan, conductorSherezade Panthaki, sopranoSara Couden, contralto (SLSO debut)John Matthew Myers, tenorPhilippe Sly, bass-baritoneSt. Louis Symphony Chorus | Erin Freeman, director G.F. Handel's Messiah: G.F. Handel’s Messiah has stood the test of time. Originally written as a retelling of Jesus’ life through text compiled from the King James Bible, the oratorio has gained prominence as a holiday favorite, especially the “Hallelujah Chorus.” Nicholas McGegan, one of the world’s foremost experts on Handel’s music, conducts the SLSO and St. Louis Symphony Chorus in this beloved holiday tradition. Joining McGegan is a quartet of vocal soloists, including soprano Sherezade Panthaki, mezzo-soprano Sara Couden in her SLSO debut, tenor John Matthew Myers, and bass-baritone Philippe Sly. --------------------------------------------------------------------------IN UNISON Christmas with the Clark SistersThursday, December 18, 7:30 CSTFriday, December 19, 7:30 CST Kevin McBeth, conductorThe Clark Sisters, vocalsSt. Louis Symphony IN UNISON® Chorus | Kevin McBeth, directorRepertoire and additional artists announced later.Supported by Bayer Fund. A beloved holiday tradition for decades, the SLSO and St. Louis Symphony IN UNISON Chorus celebrate the season with soulful melodies of Christmas favorites. This year, the ensembles are joined by gospel legends the Clark Sisters. This festive concert brings together a beautiful blend of gospel, jazz, and traditional holiday tunes. As a group, the Clark Sisters have won two Grammy Awards and are the highest-selling female gospel group in history. In 2020, the Clark Sisters were honored with the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award at the 35th Annual Stellar Awards. In 2022, the group was inducted into the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame. --------------------------------------------------------------------------Mercy Holiday CelebrationSaturday, December 20, 2:00pm & 7:30pm CSTSunday, December 21, 2:00pm & 7:30pm CSTTuesday, December 23, 2:00pm CST Stuart Malina, conductorKennedy Holmes, vocalsSt. Louis Symphony Chorus | Erin Freeman, directorRepertoire and additional artists announced later.Presented by Mercy. Experience the magic of the holidays as St. Louis native Kennedy Holmes joins the SLSO to perform seasonal favorites and exciting twists on timeless classics. A cherished tradition, this festive performance promises to fill the air with cheer. From the joyous sounds of sleigh bells to new renditions of beloved tunes, this concert brings the holiday season to life in a way that only the SLSO and hometown favorite Holmes can. Holmes originally rose to fame during season 15 of the NBC hit show “The Voice” and has since performed with the SLSO several times. --------------------------------------------------------------------------Home Alone in ConcertSaturday, December 27, 2:00pm & 7:00pm CSTSunday, December 28, 2:00pm CST Joshua Gersen, conductorThe St. Louis Children’s Choirs | Dr. Alyson Moore, artistic directorJohn Williams Home Alone A true holiday favorite, this beloved comedy classic features renowned composer John Williams’ charming and delightful score performed live by the SLSO. Macaulay Culkin stars as Kevin McCallister, an 8-year-old boy who’s accidentally left behind when his family leaves for Christmas vacation and who must defend his home against two bungling thieves. Hilarious and heart-warming, Home Alone is fun for the entire family. The SLSO is joined by the St. Louis Children’s Choirs for this holiday treat. --------------------------------------------------------------------------New Year’s Eve CelebrationWednesday, December 31, 7:30pm CST Stéphane Denève, conductorStewart Goodyear, piano Leonard Bernstein Candide OvertureGeorges Bizet Selections from L'ArlésienneJacques Offenbach Excerpts from Gaîté ParisienneOrchestrated by Manuel RosenthalGeorge Gershwin Rhapsody in BlueOrchestrated by Ferde GroféGeorge Gershwin An American in ParisRevised by Frank Campbell-Watson Break out the bubbly and ring in the new year in style with the SLSO’s sparkling New Year’s Eve Celebration, led by Music Director Stéphane Denève. Denève pays homage to two countries in this rousing program: his native France and his adopted home of the US, concluding with George Gershwin’s An American in Paris, capturing the essence of his two home nations. Canadian pianist Stewart Goodyear returns to the SLSO for Gershwin’s iconic Rhapsody in Blue.As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.