Orange County's Pacific Symphony presents AN OSMOND FAMILY CHRISTMAS, 12/17 - 12/19

Throughout the years, the Osmonds have delighted audiences with their touring shows, their Top-40 hits, a television show, and even an animated cartoon. Eighty-million albums, 47 gold and platinum records later, America's favorite showbiz family-Osmond brothers Wayne, Jay, Jimmy and Merrill-arrive in Orange County for the holidays! Joining Pacific Symphony for AN OSMOND FAMILY CHRISTMAS, on Thursday-Saturday, Dec. 17-19, at 8 p.m., in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, the brothers plan to entertain with a mix of the chart-topping hits that started "Osmondmania" just a few decades ago and their own upbeat versions of Christmas tunes, such as "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year," "White Christmas" and "Feliz Navidad."

The first half of the concert features guest conductor Bob Bernhardt and guest vocalist, soprano Christine Bouras, treating the audience to some of the season's most recognizable tunes. The orchestra begins with Leroy Anderson's "Sleigh Ride," excerpts from "The Nutcracker" and more, followed by Bouras' rendition of favorites such as "O Holy Night" and Mel Torme's "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)."

"We've had such positive experiences when we've performed with a symphony orchestra, and we are very happy to have the opportunity to do so again-especially for the Christmas season," says Jay Osmond.

"We've had the privilege of growing up on television, so the Osmond family Christmas shows have been a tradition for us," adds Jimmy. "We are excited to get to share the tradition of those family shows with Orange County! When people come to an Osmond show, they see all the different styles of music we've performed-from country to pop to rock and roll. Our shows appeal to audiences of all ages, and it's exciting to see young people come and enjoy it with their parents and grandparents who watched us grow up on television."

The Osmonds have sold more than 80 million albums and have 47 gold and platinum records to their credit. They have broken records for sell-out performances once held by the Beatles and Elvis, and have won numerous awards including the People's Choice Award, Best Vocal Group and Best Show in Branson, Mo., and were honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. But the career of the Osmonds began humbly enough in 1962, when a visit to Disneyland garnered the family an opportunity to return and sing during the summer. While there, a talent scout for the Andy Williams Show heard the Osmonds and booked them for an appearance, which created such a response that Williams made them regulars on the show for the next seven seasons. Thus began a multi-decade career performing both together and apart-including all styles of music from barbershop, pop, rock and country-and spanning screen, stage, radio and the concert hall.

Celebrating his 27th anniversary with the Louisville Orchestra, conductor Bob Bernhardt continues to bring to the podium his unique combination of easy style, infectious enthusiasm and talented musicianship. He is also in his 15th season as music director of the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera, and this season he will be a guest conductor with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, the Tucson Symphony Orchestra, The Woodstock Mozart Festival and the Chattanooga Ballet. Born in Rochester, N.Y., he holds a master's degree from the University of Southern California's School of Music, where he studied with Daniel Lewis.

Pacific Symphony's Pops series is made possible by Pops media sponsor the Los Angeles Times; the Symphony's official airline, American Airlines; official hotel, The Westin South Coast Plaza; official Pops radio station, K-Earth 101; and official television station, KOCE-TV.

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Tickets are $25-$150; for more information or to purchase tickets, call (714) 755-5799 or visit www.pacificsymphony.org

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