Philharmonic holiday concert offers up chestnuts, surprises

The Las Vegas Philharmonic did its part Saturday to assure that these days are merry, bright, and oh so tuneful.

The Philharmonic, under the direction of conductor David Itkin, was joined by guest soloists, the Las Vegas Master Singers, the University Children's Chorale and singers from Palo Verde High School for a holiday program that was studded with clear, classic chestnuts. Unexpected stocking stuffers included some less-often performed tunes along with unusual arrangements of recognizable favorites.

None of the soloists is a stranger to Las Vegas audiences. Soprano Joan Sobel is a cast member of "Phantom -- The Las Vegas Spectacular," baritone Tod Fitzpatrick is an associate professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and tenor Matthew Newman has performed frequently with the Philharmonic. Each had excellent moments: Sobel with a charmed "Jesus Bambino" and, with Fitzpatrick, a wistful "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?"; Fitzpatrick with a complex but smooth Handel medley; and Newman with the reverential "Mary Did You Know" and a soulful "Where Are You Christmas?"

Itkin showed his versatility by conducting, chatting with the audience, arranging many of the evening's selections, and even taking a turn on the slapstick (two pieces of hinged wood that make a cracking sound when they come together) during "Sleigh Ride" as local gaming executive Paul Lowden took the baton as a guest conductor, an honor Lowden won in an auction.

The 75-member Las Vegas Master Singers provided a sparkling "Silver Bells" along with other bright classics. The children's groups featured more upbeat and unusual arrangements, including a staccato but lively "Jingle Bell Swing" and "Deck the Halls" with big, percussive beats.

The musicians began the evening with their own assured "Christmas Overture 2000," an Itkin arrangement with snippets of nearly a dozen holiday favorites.

The stage glowed, with vivid then subdued lighting and bright Christmas trees at each side. Lighting so many performers is certainly a challenge, but no one ever worked in the dark. The rare sound problem -- Newman was inaudible for a few moments at the beginning of one solo -- was quickly solved, and evenness was restored.

If all the holiday season were as easy to enjoy as this Philharmonic concert, it would be an undemanding time indeed.