A season of giving: fso holiday concert

Fredericksburg Symphony Orchestra

Join us as we kick off the Holiday season in style with a new sound in town! The Fredericksburg Symphony Orchestra (FSO), in its inaugural season, is a 65-piece semi-professional orchestra comprised of the most talented players in the region.

Led by Maestro Dr. Kevin Bartram (left), well-known in town for his musical leadership, the group will perform its first Holiday Pops concert A Season of Giving on Friday, December 3, 7:30 PM, at Lifepoint Auditorium in Central Park.

"I wanted to create a symphony that generates both high artistic quality and civic pride," says Bartram. "Our first concert in October was a phenomenal success, and we can't wait for this holiday show."

This family-friendly event will feature holiday classics, such as Sleigh Ride, Charlie Brown Christmas, and the Nutcracker, and will also feature soloists from the orchestra. Robyn Bauer (above), concertmaster, will perform a fancy mashup of Carol of the Bells/God Bless Ye Merry Gentlemen, and the FSO's superb pianist, James Pitts, will solo on a modern version of Beethoven's Ode to Joy. If you are a brass fan, the trumpet section will get in on the action with the flashy Bugler's Holiday by Leroy Anderson.

The FSO will also play Hanukkah Festival Overture, Christmas at the Movies, and holiday waltzes from Vienna, Austria. To add to the festivities, there will be audience singalongs and perhaps a visit from Santa!

Part of the concert will be geared especially for children, says Maestro

celebrates the holidays

by Sara Poore

Bartram. "We want children to experience the sound of a live symphony orchestra here in Fredericksburg, so I have programmed a special part of the show just for them!"

To make the concert more accessible for families in need, several Fredericksburg City School children, faculty, and staff will receive complimentary tickets to the concert provided by The Ron & Mary Jane Branscome, John & Rosemary McKeown, and Howard & Mary Owen Community Partners Sponsorship!

Sara Poore is the FSO Board Treasurer

Holiday Pops concert A Season of Giving Friday, December 3, 7:30 PM Lifepoint Auditorium in Central Park. Tickets available online at fredericksburgSymphony.org or by calling 540/370-2 2399.