NDSO Welcomes the holiday season with "classical gifts and popular treats"

On Saturday December 8th, Northern Dutchess Symphony Orchestra welcomed the holiday season with their “Sounds of the Season” Holiday Pops Concert, this year directed by William Stevens, and hosted at the CIA’s Marriott Pavilion in Hyde Park. The lobby was beautifully decorated and pre-concert entertainment was provided by the Hudson Valley Saxophone Orchestra.
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The program themed, “Classical Gifts and Popular Teats,” had something for everyone from Vivaldi’s Winter with Rachel Crozier playing solo on the violin, to the Hudson Valley Saxophone Orchestra playing popular Christmas tunes, to Charles Gray playing the rare subcontrabass tubax for You’re a Mean One to Mr. Grinch, to Santa narrating a musical version of ‘Twas the Night before Christmas.

Vice President, Jennifer Henion speaks for orchestra when she says:

“I was overwhelmed with the positive reaction of the audience to the program. People were impressed with the quality of the orchestra’s performance and the combination of seasonal music selected by William Stevens. Santa and even the Grinch put everyone in a holiday mood. As a final treat, our friends group provided goody bags for everyone while the children waved goodbye to Santa. We appreciate the ongoing support of the community including the enthusiastic crowd that joined us at the Culinary Institute.”

William Stevens conducted the concert and many of the attendees commented how they could feel the energy of the music through his conducting. William says of his experience:

“I so enjoyed presenting “Sounds of the Season” to the NDSO community. Having played with the group now for 10 years, it was so rewarding to have the chance to work with the musicians of NDSO in another light. The reaction of the audience was wonderful, and it was so nice to see so many familiar faces; friends, colleagues, and students both past and present. I would also like to acknowledge the Hudson Valley Saxophone Orchestra for adding some holiday spice to the concert!”

After the concert everyone received a goodie bag provided by the NDSO Friends Group (link). It was a great way to say “thank you and happy holidays” to all the people who came out for the concert.

The fun continues with our Early Valentine concert at the Culinary on February 2nd, 2019. Artistic Director Kathleen Beckmann has created a unique program that features the orchestra and vocalists in a cabaret style. Broadway singers Erin Stewart and David DeWitt join the orchestra with favorites from the great American Songbook including Dancing Cheek to Cheek, Night and Day, I Get a Kick Out of You, Too Marvelous for Words, and Call Me Irresponsible. Learn More Here and Purchase Tickets