Worthington Area Symphony Orchestra leans into holidays with Nov. 15 concert
“Classical Treasures” — a seasonal celebration
The Worthington Area Symphony Orchestra (WASO) is preparing a family-friendly pre-holiday concert themed “Classical Treasures.” The event will take place at 7 p.m. on November 15 at Worthington’s Memorial Auditorium Performing Arts Center, offering audiences a lively introduction to the holiday season.
Holiday selections and program highlights
The evening will conclude with festive favorites, including Mel Tormé’s “The Christmas Song” and Dan Goeller’s signature “A Christmas Carol Sing-Along.”
“We’ll end the concert with a couple of Christmas selections — Mel Tormé’s cherished ‘The Christmas Song,’ and our traditional closer, Dan Goeller’s ‘A Christmas Carol Sing-Along,’” said Kris Stewart, WASO leadership team member and flutist.
Before these seasonal pieces, the orchestra will present a varied program that blends well-known classics with American symphonic works designed to engage listeners of all ages.
Classical overture and American symphony
The concert opens with Franz von Suppé’s lively “Light Cavalry Overture,” a piece instantly familiar to many for its spirited rhythm.
“Our first number, ‘The Light Cavalry Overture’ by Austrian composer Franz von Suppé, is an invigorating tune — one that most people will recognize by its sound if not by its name,” Stewart said.
The program will also feature Howard Hanson’s “Symphony No. 2 in D-flat Major, Op. 30,” known as the “Romantic” symphony. Conductor Christopher Stanichar describes it as an expressive and hopeful American work written during the Depression era.
“It’s a short American symphony that’s a little more serious,” Stanichar said. “It’s Hanson’s most famous symphony. Howard Hanson went on to become a well-known teacher and mentor at Eastman School of Music. He wrote this symphony during the Depression era, and it has a lot of hopefulness to it.”
Author’s summary
The upcoming WASO “Classical Treasures” concert offers a festive mix of classical and holiday favorites, blending tradition and optimism for all ages to enjoy.