LSO “LIGHT” CONCERT – BRILLIANT, DIVERSE, AND JOYFUL
“My Favorite Concert yet” “Loved it!” “Terrific”
It was a dark and rainy night in LaGrange, Georgia December 13th for the LSO LIGHT concert, but no one’s spirit was dampened. In fact, the mood was up-beat, positive and optimistic, with wonderful holiday wishes for all.
Inspirational and uplifting, this concert was the perfect thing to attend to be filled with holiday spirit, wonder and happiness. Comprised of varying styles, the diverseness of this concert truly had something for everyone.
The evening’s entertainment began building upon the mood of the holiday with Corelli’s Christmas Concerto. This well done, six movement, piece featured the strings and several soloist sections. Written with a “Christmas Eve” mood, it had a pastoral feeling of awe, attained imaginatively, by shepherds visiting a traditional Nativity scene. The lullaby meter represented the rocking of the Christ Child by his mother, a very fitting and glowing beginning for this concert of LIGHT.
Capturing the feeling of a more modern holiday with buoyant energy were Anderson’s two pieces – Bugler’s Holiday and Sleigh Ride. In the Bugler’s Holiday, the trumpet was, of course, highlighted and was delightful. It joyfully announced the holiday and Sleigh Ride captured the light-hearted and quick pace of our wintry journey through the season.
Twas’ the Night Before Christmas, a beloved poem, provided the basis for the next piece, which was a very descriptive musical arrangement combined with narrative imagery. Expressively reading the text was Dr. Kevin Shirley, professor at LaGrange College. He verbally described the vision while the LSO, very successfully, colored the scenes musically. The combination was very effective and the experience easily imagined.
The next selection countered Santa with Brubaker’s arrangement of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. This much-loved Dr. Seuss story is both sassy and optimistic. Filling the auditorium with the Grinch’s “enlightenment”, the LSO did a wonderful job with yet another style of music.
Also a definite crowd pleaser, the performance of The Polar Express Suite was expansive and substantial. Rather breath-taking, the inspirational and wide-awake sparkle of this piece felt epic. The train, with its illuminating light could be seen full of adventure and discovery. There was also an undeniable feeling that all will be well if you just “believe”. The LSO performed this brilliantly. Well done.
Increasing the mood yet again, it was time for the LSO to corroborate with the much-anticipated all-male combined choir for Randol Allen Bass’s Gloria. Comprised of The Sons of Lafayette, directed by Dr. Beth Everett, and the Troup H.S. Men’s Ensemble, directed by Kathy Kirby, this unified group sounded every bit as great as they looked. Shown in this photo, is the full stage as they were being introduced by Dr. Prior. You may click the photo to view a larger version.
This work was conducted by Dr. Beth Everett, and beautifully wished peace on earth to all of good will and announced the Light of the World. From the first “Gloria!” the audience was captured. This was a remarkably fitting culmination to this concert.
To top everything off, the LSO, the combined choir, and the audience all shared some traditional holiday carols. It was a very full, enjoyable, and uplifting evening. The audience loved it!
If you enjoyed the concert, you can easily let the world know by visiting us on facebook and giving a quick review. You can also post your photos from the concert there.
On behalf of everyone at the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra, we extend our sincere gratitude to Commercial Bank & Trust for sponsoring this holiday “LIGHT” concert. Their enthusiasm and continued financial support has made this event possible.
Thanks are also extended to our wonderful Patrons for supporting the arts, especially the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra. Merry Christmas and best wishes for a bright and Happy New Year! You are the “LIGHT” of the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra.
