Canton Symphony Presents A SWINGIN' HOLIDAY, 12/4

Step into the era of jazz and swing this holiday with the Canton Symphony Orchestra (CSO) as they present "A Swingin' Holiday", December 4 at 3:00pm at Umstattd Performing Arts Hall, 2323 17th Street NW. The orchestra adds a new dimension to the annual holiday concert with new jazz-inspired arrangements of traditional favorites. The concert is sponsored in part by Gregory Industries.

Joining the orchestra on stage will be a combined chorus comprised of members of the Canton Symphony Chorus, directed by Britt Cooper, McKinley High School Select Choir, directed by Kirk Hofmeister and Perry High School Symphonic Choir, directed by Beth Polen. For the first time the GlenOak Jazz Band, directed by Christopher Irwin will join the mix of musicians along with mezzo-soprano Joan Ellison. Kevin Martinez formerly of The Speedbumps, provided new jazzed-up arrangements of holiday songs including an audience sing-along.

"This is a family concert and including high school students in the performance brings that atmosphere onto the stage as well," comments Michelle Mullaly, President and CEO of the CSO. "Including the jazz band adds a layer that we are really excited about."

Mezzo-soprano Joan Ellison is known for her long-time immersion in the popular vocal styles of the 1920s to the 1960s. She made her Cleveland Pops Orchestra debut at Severance Hall in 2005 and has since sung more than 30 symphonic pops concerts including "Judy Garland in Hollywood" with the Wheaton Symphony, "Songwriting Giants of Broadway" and numerous repeat engagements with the Cleveland Pops and "Music of World War II" with the Lakeside Symphony.

Family activities will be available before the concert from 1:30-2:30pm in Foundation Hall of the Zimmermann Symphony. Holiday themed crafts, snacks, and pictures with Santa will be available to ticket holders at no charge.

Tickets for the concert are $20, $25 and $30 and can be purchased online at www.cantonsymphony.org, by phone at 330-452-2094, at the Zimmermann Symphony Center - 2331 17th Street NW in Canton - weekdays from 9am to 5pm or at the Umstattd Performing Arts Hall box office beginning 90 minutes before the concert. Senior, Student and Group discounts are also available. For additional information, call the Symphony box office at 330-452-2094.

Founded in 1937, the Canton Symphony Orchestra is a fully professional ensemble and organization dedicated to performing concerts that enrich, educate, and entertain residents of Stark County and beyond. The Canton Symphony Orchestra performs classical, holiday, and a variety of educational programs each season at Umstattd Performing Arts Hall, as well as other venues in Stark County. Administrative offices are located in the Zimmermann Symphony Center - adjacent to Umstattd Hall - at 2331 17th Street NW, Canton.