Harmonic Holidays

The joyous sounds of Christmas resonated from the Fine and Performing Arts Recital Hall as audience members filled the auditorium to witness a wonderful performance by the Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO), under the instruction of Brendan Townsend. On Dec. 2, the LPO, along with special guests like TAMIU Chamber Singers under the direction of Dana Crabtree, the Laredo Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and the United Methodist Church Memorial Bells, put on two hours of delightful melodies to ring in the upcoming holidays.

Consisting of local talented musicians, as well as talent from the Valley, San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Austin and Houston, the LPO celebrates their 33rd season of performances; this season is entitled "Celebrations." The goal of the LPO is to spread their "artistic vision" throughout the city. They look to enrich, engage, educate and entertain the community.

The entertainment scheduled for the afternoon, danced around the theme of December festivities. A playful medley of Christmas song favorites entitled "Christmas Festival" by Leroy Anderson kicked off the concert. Violin soloists Yu Mei Huang, Nina Movrina and Cello soloist Jennifer Mulhern drove the second song by Arcangelo Corelli Concerto Grosso Op 6., No. 8. Continuing on the festive celebration, the Phil Brass Quintet Stepped forward and created a wall of gleeful cheer with their musical selection. As the Quintet exited, TAMIU Chamber Singers made their way onto the risers and got in position for their feature in the following selection entitled "Jesus Child." Ending the first half was a familiar classic selection knows as "Waltz" from the Nutcracker. As the LPO took a break for intermission, the local young musical students from the Laredo Philharmonic Youth Orchestra kept the energetic atmosphere fresh as they played small excerpts of classical carols.

Welcoming back the LPO, Townsend surprised the audience with projected lyrics to "Joy to the World." Along with the Chamber Singers, the audience participation was the main feature. Joyous Noel was delightfully greeted as it was time for the United Methodist Church Memorial Bells members took their hand bells and demonstrated their musical abilities. Spicing up the mode, Dana Crabtree strutted her way down stage and received the microphone from Townsend. Crabtree, teaming up with the Orchestra, belted out "Reindeer Rock" and got the audience clapping.

Ending the show was a piece that known by mostly all, the epitome of Christmas, "Hallelujah." As the Orchestra played, the voices of the Chamber Singers and audience filled the room. Receiving a standing ovation, the Orchestra stood and bowed, bringing an end to a wonderful afternoon. The Laredo Philharmonic will be making another appearance at the start of the new year on Jan. 27, 2013 at the Martinez Fine Arts Center at Laredo Community College at 3:00 p.m. More information about the Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra can be found at www.laredophil.com

(Monika Sanchez may be reached at monika@dusty.tamiu.edu)