A 'Breathtaking' Winter

Philharmonic celebrates season Saturday

"'Winter' from 'The Four Seasons' in the hands of Er-Gene Kahng is going to be breathtaking."

That's Steven Byess' prediction for the highlight of Saturday's Christmas With the Arkansas Philharmonic Orchestra concert.

FAQ

Christmas

With APO

WHEN — 7:30 p.m. Saturday

WHERE — Arend Arts Center in Bentonville

COST — $5-$25

INFO — 841-4644 or arkansasphilharmoni…

The program begins with a big orchestral version of "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," followed by "Winter" from "The Four Seasons" by Vivaldi, a three-movement concerto that features concertmaster Kahng on violin. Byess, the APO's music director, says this is a familiar tune, but the music is "very, very difficult and challenging," he says. He adds that Kahng is a wonderful musician who will deliver the piece with great talent and virtuosity.

The program will also include a guest narrator and the Washington Junior High School chorus singing "Sing We Now of Christmas" and "Silent Night," Byess says. He says it is "a very diverse program that features all these groups but has a nice balance and nice variety throughout."

Following an intermission, the second half of the program is "a little lighter," beginning with "March of the Toys" from "Babes in Toyland," Byess says. "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" will then be narrated by local meteorologist Dan Skoff while the orchestra performs a new version of the piece by Bill Holcombe, he says.

"Dan is a very energetic and creative fellow, and I know that he will characterize the story beautifully," Byess says.

Some other pieces performed by the orchestra will include "Carol of the Bells" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," and the chorus will sing two more songs: "Breath of Heaven" and the Michael Buble version of "Jingle Bells."

"The only thing that is possible to follow that really exciting version is to do our version of 'Jingle Bells Forever,' which combines the tune "Jingle Bells" with John Philip Sousa's 'The Stars and Stripes Forever.' It's really a lot of great fun," Byess says.

"Jingle Bells Forever" is the last piece scheduled, but there could be more songs performed if the audience asks.

"For people who might like to have an encore at our performance, we will come prepared," he says.

Byess says the mission of the orchestra is to present great performances and enrich the community and culture in Northwest Arkansas. He adds that this concert also reflects the goal of presenting wonderful performances in collaboration with neighboring groups and giving young children a way to perform. He also hopes it will put people in the holiday spirit to celebrate the season.

"This is the most festive way that I know by bringing many people together to perform, doing a grand variety that has something to appeal to virtually everyone who will come to the performance, and a great way to get out and support the community."

NAN What's Up on 12/19/2014

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