Newburgh Symphony to perform first holiday concert

NEWBURGH — The Greater Newburgh Symphony Orchestra will perform its inaugural Holiday Concert on Saturday, Dec. 16, at 4 p.m. at Aquinas Hall on the Mount Saint Mary College campus in Newburgh.
“The First Noel,” under the direction of Maestro Russell Ger, will feature Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker Suite” and an array of beloved seasonal classics, including “O Holy Night,” “Away in a Manger” and “Deck the Halls,” as well as Hanukkah favorites.
“I have always loved holiday music,” Ger said, “because it clearly appeals to a broad audience, cutting across age and religious lines. The opportunity for the GNSO to bring it to our expanding Hudson River Valley audience is one that I cherish. This will be fun for the entire family, particularly because we will introduce some exciting young soloists".
The four accomplished guest soloists who will perform are: Erica Spyres, soprano; Patrice Eaton, mezzo soprano; John Kawa, tenor; and Adrian Rosas, bass.
In his first year at the helm of the Greater Newburgh Symphony Orchestra, Ger became well-known for his informed and witty commentary from the podium at each program.
Since September 2016, audiences for the orchestra’s performances virtually doubled and this response even enabled the GNSO to add an extra concert in March.
The orchestra’s inaugural performance of the 2017-18 season in October earned numerous standing ovations.
Again, “the First Noel” will be presented Dec. 16 at 4 p.m. at Mount Saint Mary College's Aquinas Hall (arrive at 3 p.m. for the concert preview by Gordon Shacklett).
Tickets are: Balcony $45, reserved $35, open $30, senior citizen $22. Students are admitted free to open seating.
Tickets can be purchased online or at the door.
Call 845 913-7157 or visit www.newburghsymphony.org.
The snow date for the concert is Sunday, Dec. 17, at 1 p.m.