It’s the Most Musical Time of the Year
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year.”
For most businesses, planning for the holidays begins early, even before Autumn. So in October and November, people ask the musicians if we’ve started working on the music for the Christmas concert. Because we don’t see the music until about ten days before the first concert, it’s exciting to look through our folders and see what’s new and what’s fun to play…And what needs to be practiced around The Nutcracker, church performances, shopping, and teaching.
Each December, the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra plays the enchanting music of Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet, The Nutcracker, in the orchestra pit while the dancers of the Appalachian Ballet Company dazzle us from stage with their intricate and poised movements and their extravagant costumes. This annual performance is certainly a KSO tradition, with weekend performances at both the Civic Auditorium (Dec. 1-2) and upcoming at Clayton Center for the Arts in Maryville (Dec. 6-8).
Photos courtesy of Appalachian Ballet Company
It’s a real privilege to be able to be part of someone’s holiday plans and to see and hear excited families filing into any concert hall. Everyone comes to the concerts to experience the warmth and magic of holiday music, to have fun with their families, and it’s great to hear the excitement of the little kids in the audience.
View from the pit at the Nutcracker, courtesy of KSO horn player Kelsey Bentley.
View of our Nutcracker conductor, Sande MacMorran.
Starting December 11, the KSO (and LOTS of other folks) will begin rehearsals for the KSO’s Annual Clayton Holiday Concert. Those performances are at the Civic Auditorium Dec. 14, 15, and 16. Tickets and info here.
The Orchestra will be back ON stage for these concerts. We are grateful to be able to work with the Knoxville Choral Society –and they always sound great. We couldn’t do the concert without them and they consistently show up prepared, gracious and ready to do whatever we need. To see who else is joining us on stage…you’ll have to come see for yourself!