Review: 'TIS THE SEASON at Sarasota Orchestra

Under the creative baton of Principal Pops Conductor Andrew Lane, Sarasota Orchestra presented their Christmas gift to us titled, 'Tis The Season. Starting off as usual to warm up the crowd, Conductor Lane asked if we enjoyed the Christmas buffet in the lobby. There wasn't one, which made for a perfect segue into his next humorous quip, "If not, we do have a musical feast here for you tonight!" And indeed they did.

This concert is always fun and filled with jokes as well as a few scattered musicians adorned with reindeer antlers, Christmas hats and lights. But make no mistake about the seriousness of their music. Elaborating on their wide repertoire of playful and elegant traditional tunes, intricate pieces, jazzy flair, and featuring many of their gifted musicians such as Katherine Siochi on harp, Christopher Takeda on violin, and horn player Joshua Horne, this concert had something for everyone. Included this year was a moving piece called "Jerusalem of Gold" for Hanukkah, also referred to as the second national anthem of Israel.

Other favorite were "Polonaise from Christmas Eve", a playful "Sleigh Ride", "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" march, an elegant "O Holy Night" featuring violinist/associate concertmaster Christopher Takeda, "Christmas Concertante" featuring co-principal Joshua Horne on the horn, a beautiful harp opening by Miss Siochi on, "Waltz of the Flowers" from The Nutcracker, a wild rendition of "A Mad Russian's Christmas", "Dream Pantomime" from Hansel and Gretel, "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer", and "A Christmas Fanfare" of classics including "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen", "Silent Night", "Jingle Bells", and "Joy to the World".

The orchestra seamlessly moved from one type of beat and sound to another, often springing reindeer noises from the horns and an occasional snap of a whip that jolts the conductor as he playfully tries to see who is making the disturbance. The interaction between Conductor Lane and his orchestra is fun to watch. His jokes to the audience make an enjoyable evening as he engages us in song and laughter. Holley Hall provided just the right intimate setting as I loved looking at many of those familiar happy faces and seeing some new ones shine this year in an always inspired and joyful start to our holiday season. Thank you Sarasota Orchestra - Merry Christmas!

For more information on Sarasota Orchestra and their upcoming concert series visit www.sarasotaorchestra.org.