A perfect blend of the traditional and innovative marked the Las Vegas Philharmonic's annual "A Holiday Celebration" on Sunday.

The Philharmonic, under the baton of music director Harold Weller, began the evening with "O Tannenbaum," which led into a spectacular Christmas light display. The orchestra then expressed the tenderness and joy of the holiday season with John Rutter's "Magnificat Anima Mea."

The Las Vegas Master Singers, under the direction of Jocelyn Kaye Jensen, brought a special beauty to this holiday celebration. Singing with tenderness and passion, they gave depth to Rutter's "Angel's Carol" as well as "For Unto Us a Child Is Born" and "Hallelujah" from Handel's "Messiah."

The center piece of the second part of the program was "The Polar Express" featuring baritone Tod Fitzpatrick and the University Children's Chorale under the direction of Jeff Kriske, Liz Goodman and Barbara Buer. Fitzpatrick's rich, deep tones were the perfect counter balance for the children's exceptionally poised, young voices.

The Philharmonic's associate conductor, Richard McGee, took the baton for several pieces after intermission, including a rousing version of the "Trepak Dance" from "The Nutcracker."

But the highlight of the second part of the program was the touching and heartfelt "A Gaelic Blessing."