By Grace Hooley | Contributor
"The Essence of Christmas," performed by the Marion Philharmonic Orchestra, will attempt to capture the true meaning of Christmas this Sunday, Dec. 13, at 4 p.m.
While the theme for the entire season is "Symphony for the Senses," this concert in particular is meant to captivate the eyes, ears and hearts of audience members. The Marion Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) always has a holiday concert, but hope to bring in additional people this weekend.
At approximately two hours long, the program, conducted by Maestro Alexander Platt, offers a mixture of holiday classics and new favorites. Performances consist of carol sing-a-longs, the "Hallelujah" chorus, several selections from Mozart, "Gloria" and "Sleigh Ride." A reception will follow with light refreshments.
The orchestra will be working alongside the Indiana Wesleyan University Singers, as well as Melissa Frecker, Trudy Whitford, Julie Lyn Barber and Lauren Walker. Professional vocalists Barber and Walker will be singing Vivaldi's "Gloria" together.
Whitford will be playing the principal flute in Mozart's Concerto for flute, harp and orchestra in C major while Frecker plays the principal harp. The IWU Singers will be singing Handel's "Hallelujah" chorus with the orchestra.
"The nature of the concert as a Christmas concert is always very special. We always try to collaborate with local people," Todd said.
To accommodate a larger crowd, the concert will take place at the First Methodist Church in Marion, a 92-year-old church holding 600 people. On stage, the orchestra will be placed close to the audience, and the IWU Singers will be directly behind them.
"Acoustically, it is a wonderful space for this concert," Todd said. "We are excited for people to hear this music in this space. The biggest challenge will be sitting 100 performers on stage at this church."
Tickets may be purchased in advance over phone at (765) 662-0012. Audience members may also purchase tickets on the night of the concert, but the orchestra requests that those planning to attend call ahead to reserve tickets. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for students 13 and older and $5 for those 12 and under.
