The pinnacle moment for the Grand Rapids Symphony is their Holiday Pops show, where the community comes out in droves to support this festive event.
This year, you have only five chances over four days to see this Nestlé Gerber-sponsored concert, filled with a collage of secular and sacred music. The event will feature familiar elements, including a visit from Santa and a sing-along, as well as fresh spins on the seasonal tradition.
Recording artist and Grand Rapids native Sam Stryke will return once again to DeVos to showcase his talents with arrangements of "O Come All Ye Faithful," "We Three Kings," "Christmas Morning" and "Joy to the World."
Successful appearances with both the Grand Rapids and Atlanta symphonies led him back to the recording studio to produce "Joy to the World," debuted earlier this month. The new recording features captivating, cinematic arrangements of traditional carol favorites, as well as a new Christmas-inspired composition.
Stryke will take the stage as guest pianist performing selections from the album, as well as creating new holiday tunes for each concert, based on audience input.
Audiences will also be treated to two new works written specifically for the concert by local composer David Culross: "Fanfare Christmas Celebration," featuring the Symphony Brass Chorale, and "Christmas Nativity," featuring the Symphony Chorus and Youth Chorus. The concert will conclude with audience favorite, the spirited "Hallelujah Chorus" by Handel, sung by the Symphony Chorus.
Joining Associate Conductor John Varineau and the Grand Rapids Symphony will be the 140-voice Symphony Chorus under the direction of Pearl Shangkuan, the Symphony Youth Chorus led by Sean Ivory and the Grand Rapids Symphony Brass Chorale. Members of the brass section will play from various locations within the audience and from multiple balconies.
"I'm especially excited about the variety of this year's program," said Varineau. "From the powerful sounds of brass ringing from the balconies of DeVos Hall, to the gentle and soothing sounds of Sam's sensitive piano playing, to our huge Symphony Chorus and exciting Youth Chorus, this concert will have something for everyone."
Admission: Starting at $12.
More Info