Philharmonic full of holiday surprises

Las Vegas Philharmonic conductor David Itkin understands that the holiday season must include surprises. He offered several of them in a varied program of traditional and contemporary Christmas and Hanukkah favorites Saturday and Sunday at Artemus Ham Hall.

From a stage festooned with flowers, between two large Christmas trees and beneath more than a dozen wreathes, the members of the Philharmonic were joined by the Las Vegas Master Singers and three featured performers: mezzo-soprano Leslie Harper, tenor Matthew Newman and soprano Athena Mertes.

The evening had charm from the first notes of "Christmas Overture 2000," a medley arranged by Itkin that included snippets of more than a half-dozen holiday favorites, from "Sleigh Ride" to "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen."

The Master Singers introduced themselves with a bright "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year," before several more grand selections throughout the evening, including a reverential "O Holy Night."

Mertes won over the crowd with a sophisticated version of "The Christmas Song." It was far more operatic than Mel Torme might have imagined -- witness the climb of nearly an octave between "if reindeer really know how to" and "fly." Yet it made sense, the notes rising just as the animals might.

Newman offered a bright "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and more emotional songs after intermission, including "Mary, Did You Know?"

Harper made her presence known from the first note, appearing in a slinky, floor-length gown and bringing a new take on "Mr. Sandman," substituting "Mr. Santa."

"Ding Dong Merrily on High" included arduous, and successful, trumpet work by principal trumpet player Tom Wright.

Another surprise was Itkin playing piano on "In the Bleak Midwinter," with the Master Singers, as associate conductor Richard McGee took the baton.

Many seemed to think the highlight of the evening was Itkin's arrangement of "The Twelve Days of Christmas," featuring the Master Singers and members of the orchestra. A mention of "three French hens" included strains from France's national anthem, while the "seven swans" were met with notes from "Swan Lake" -- and the "10 ladies dancing" brought strains of "The Nutcracker."