Home for the Holidays Captures Magic of the Season

By: Anne Viricel

Community Writer

Photo Courtesy of:

Anne Viricel

Photo Description:

Symphony Orchestra from last year's concert.

Following a very successful opening to their 87th season, the San Bernardino Symphony is gearing up for their second annual holiday concert, “Home for the Holidays.” “Last season, our goal was to create an enchanting evening appropriate for both young and young at heart,” said Symphony Conductor and Music Director Maestro Frank Paul Fetta. “We were so thrilled with the community’s response, we have decided to make the holiday concert an annual tradition and we hope the entire community comes out to share this special time of year together!” Presented with major sponsorship by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, the “Home for the Holidays” concert will feature music that captures the magic of the season from around the world. The playbill will include selections from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker Suite and Williams’ Home Alone, as well as delightful renditions of Berlin’s White Christmas, Leontovych’s Carol of the Bells, McCarrick’s arrangement of Hanukkah Habanera, Regney and Baker’s Do You Hear What I Hear, and more. The Symphony will be joined by seven outstanding vocal soloists and the very talented Loma Linda Academy Choir, and in the spirit of the season, the audience will also have a chance to lift their voices in a special sing-along. “We are focusing on every detail to ensure a thrilling and memorable evening for the whole family,” said Symphony Executive Director Dr. Anne Viricel. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12, but attendees are encouraged to arrive early to the Historic California Theatre to enjoy the sounds of strolling carolers and the sites of the magnificently decorated California Theatre. Once inside, all are welcomed to venture upstairs to the California Room to hear noted children’s book author June Durr read from one of her selections. Little ones will also enjoy frosting holiday treats baked by culinary arts students from San Bernardino High School. All children in attendance will also receive a copy of the new San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra Activity Book created by San Bernardino Valley College student Jeremy Noble. “The holidays are a time for sharing memories with those we love, and we are especially pleased to bring this very special concert to our community once again,” said Symphony Board President Dr. Judith Valles. “We believe this will be an outstanding season full of beautiful music and many exciting surprises,” said Fetta, “and we invite the community to come and enjoy all their San Bernardino Symphony has to offer.” All regular season concerts will be performed at the historic California Theatre, 562 W. 4th Street, San Bernardino. Both season and individual tickets may be purchased by calling (909) 381-5388 or visiting the Symphony box office at 198 N. Arrowhead Ave., San Bernardino.