Putting the scintillating in seasonal

Take a break from frantic shopping and stressful travel prep to enjoy the sounds of the season from the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. Their holiday programming lineup will give you a shot of the holiday spirit and transform the way you hear those classic tunes.

“The holidays are a time when families are together – our programming is created with multiple variations and generations in mind,” says Tonya Robles, the BSO’s general manager. “We want to present the music of the season in an uplifting, engaging, joyful way. Crafting unique twists on familiar holiday music produces a memorable experience for the whole family.”

On December 16th and 17th, the BSO will be joined by Thomas Wilkins, principal conductor of the Hollywood Bowl, and soprano Alison Buchanan for Home for the Holidays. This performance will feature holiday classics as well as a troupe of tap-dancing Santas. “The tap-dancing Santas are a highlight of our holiday programs,” remarks Robles. “Dancers from the nationally-recognized Baltimore School for the Arts are selected by audition and prepared by a professional tap choreographer. This aspect of the production is reminiscent of the famous Rockettes routine from the Radio City Christmas Spectacular.”

Thomas Wilkins is excited to join the BSO for this performance. “I’m looking forward to making music again with some of my oldest and dearest colleagues of the Baltimore Symphony. This orchestra will always hold a very special place in my heart,” says Wilkins. “The opportunity to share some delicious music of the season with the audiences and make hearts glad – that’s pure bonus!”

The Cirque partners with the BSO for the Cirque de la Symphonie Holiday Spectacular on December 22nd and 23rd. Musicians, acrobats, and aerialists led by Nicholas Hersh, associate conductor, will dazzle audiences as they perform pieces from The Nutcracker, The Four Seasons, and holiday favorites like Sleigh Ride.

“Our program is full of timeless holiday musical classics (and perhaps a few unexpected surprises), but hearing them with Cirque makes these familiar tunes a completely new and thrilling experience,” says Hersh. “These performers do an incredible job of choreographing their movements to the music so that they are both spontaneous and organic. With a world-class orchestra on stage, the musical and visual elements combine into a whole performance greater than the sum of its parts. Concert goers should feel the holiday spirit as never before – infused with adrenaline and awe!”

Home for the Holidays performances are Saturday, December 16th at 3 pm and 8 pm and Sunday, December 17th at 3 pm. Cirque de la Symphonie Holiday Spectacular performances are Friday, December 22nd at 8 pm and Saturday, December 23rd at 3 pm & 8 pm. All performances will be at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. For more info and tickets, visit BSOmusic.org or call the box office at 410-783-8000.