Tuesday, December 14, 2004
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

Philharmonic concert a holiday success

The Las Vegas Philharmonic included every element for a holiday success in "A Holiday Celebration," its annual seasonal concert.

Performing with the Philharmonic before a near-sellout crowd were the Las Vegas Master Singers, a lilting and sophisticated adult choir, and the University Children's Chorale, with 135 young singers, all in bright red blazers and good voice. Also featured were soprano Christine Seitz, tenor Alfonse Anderson and baritone Tod Fitzpatrick.

The couldn't-miss program opened with "O Tannenbaum," and the darkened Artemus W. Ham Hall gradually became aglow with Christmas lights during the song. Other essentials such as "White Christmas" and "Sleigh Ride" put the audience members into the holiday spirit.

The auditorium was festive enough to sway the most determined Scrooge, with lights and garland around the hall, three enormous lighted wreathes above the stage, and lighted trees, toys and masses of red carnations and white mums filling the edge of the stage.

The children began their featured segment with a bright "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town," glided enthusiastically through more holiday chestnuts and even boogied a bit to a delightful "Jingle Bells."

New to the program was the Christmas cantata "Hodie," by Englishman Ralph Vaughn Williams. although no holiday folk songs are actually incorporated into the seven-section piece. The narration, in Latin and English, tells the story of the birth of Christ. The master choir brought the work to life, and Seitz, Anderson and Fitzpatrick each had short but prominent roles here.

Another less common work, John Williams' "Somewhere in My Memory" from the movie "Home Alone," was given a tender and lovely emotion by the master choir. Associate conductor Richard McGee, who helped music director Harold Weller lead the Philharmonic, announced from the stage that he believes the song will continue to be played as a carol in years to come.