BRATTLEBORO-The Windham Philharmonic invites everyone to its third annual “Beethoven in December — with Holiday Treats” concert at the Latchis Theatre on Monday, Dec. 8, at 7 p.m.
This concert “pairs the energy and nobility of a Beethoven symphony with music of fantasy, compassion, and sparkling good humor,” wrote organizers in a news release.
It’s about “Beethoven’s unstoppable vitality meeting Berlioz’s compassion and Anderson’s laughter, with much fantasy and scintillation in between,” Music Director Hugh Keelan said in a news release. “It reminds us that joy is in our nature, and profoundly satisfying to experience in community. And let joy itself be our own vigorous protest!”
The program opens with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 in A major, often called the “apotheosis of the dance.” From its first chords to its finale, the Seventh “embodies joy as movement — a fitting celebration of vitality and community in the darkening days of December.”
After intermission, the orchestra turns to Humperdinck’s Overture to Hänsel und Gretel, Ponchielli’s “Dance of the Hours” from La Gioconda, and Berlioz’s “Shepherds’ Farewell” from L’Enfance du Christ.
The concert concludes, as always, with Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride,” a “joyous dash through orchestral snow, sleigh bells, snorting horses, and all,” said organizers.
Admission is free with donations encouraged; more information is at windhamphilharmonic.org.
This Arts item was submitted to The Commons.