A Night Filled with Light – Illuminated by Song
The LaGrange Symphony Orchestra’s 2025 holiday event, Joyful Voices, lived up to its name with an evening that celebrated the rich choral traditions and exceptional musical talent of our community. With a full auditorium, the atmosphere was warm, festive, and filled with anticipation. From treasured local ensembles to distinguished soloists and a spirited audience sing-along, the program offered a seamless journey through the sounds of the season.
Here is a snapshot of the audience as it was filling up with more images of some lovely attendees.
A Glowing Celebration of Harmony, Hope, and Community
The concert opened with the Sons of Lafayette, LaGrange’s beloved male chorus. Under the direction of Darian Krimm, the Sons delivered a radiant, resonant set that immediately lit the atmosphere with holiday spirit. Their performance of Wexford Carol set the tone with elegance and expressive grace, followed by a tender Mary, Did You Know?. They closed with a nostalgic and beautifully blended White Christmas, a testament to their polished musicianship and the heartfelt character they bring to every performance. A supporting quartet with piano and percussion added subtle depth and color throughout their set. Dressed in fabulous red ties, the Sons looked exceptionally dapper, and their impressive number of members created a striking presence on stage.
Young Talent, Refined Sound
The Callaway High School Chamber Singers, conducted by Samantha Cotton, followed with a vibrant and polished performance. They began with the shimmering harmonies of Vuelie, then delivered an energetic and precise Joyous Carol of the Bells, and closed with a beautifully balanced We Three Kings. With accompaniment only from the LSO’s percussion and piano, the Chamber Singers demonstrated a remarkably mature sound for high school musicians, impressing the audience with their blend, control, and musical confidence.
Bridging Artistry and Community Through Song
Next, the spotlight shifted to the pure, unaccompanied sound of STELLARUM, an eight-member a cappella ensemble whose artistry brought one of the evening’s most striking contrasts. Their seven-piece program showcased both stylistic range and unity of tone—from the buoyant In Dulci Jubilo and the delicate Maria durch ein Dornwald ging to the luminous Bogoroditse Devo and the atmospheric Stopping by Snowy Woods. Gaudete, Deck the Hall, and We Wish You a Merry Christmas brought festive energy and charm to conclude their set. The ensemble includes Maestro Richard Prior, who also conducts the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra, a unique connection that beautifully bridged the evening’s vocal artistry with the orchestra’s performance and amplified the sense of community that resonated throughout the evening.
Handel’s Messiah
After a brief pause, the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Richard Prior, took the stage alongside three distinguished soloists—Elizabeth Arena Whitfield, soprano; Jonathan Pilkington, tenor; and Matthew Hoch, baritone—for a stirring selection from Handel’s Messiah. The orchestra opened with a poised and elegant Sinfony, setting the tone for the expressive solos that followed. Pilkington’s Comfort Ye and Ev’ry Valley Shall Be Exalted were delivered with clarity and warmth; Hoch brought authority and depth to Thus Saith the Lord and But Who May Abide the Day of His Coming; and Whitfield brought radiant agility to Rejoice Greatly. Under Maestro Prior’s direction, the ensemble offered a compelling and reverent centerpiece to the evening.
Every Voice Added to the Glow
Maestro Richard Prior (who donned a festive red scarf) welcomed all of the guest choral groups back to the stage. The concert concluded with a joyful carol sing-along, with lyrics handed out alongside the programs. After a bit of friendly encouragement from Maestro Prior, the full house joined in wholeheartedly. The hall rang with beloved classics—O Little Town of Bethlehem, Once in Royal David’s City, While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, and O Come, All Ye Faithful—creating a moment of true communal warmth.
As the final notes faded, it was clear that Joyful Voices was more than a concert—it was a shared experience. Like the radiant candles that appeared throughout the season’s imagery, each ensemble, each guest artist, and each audience member contributed a unique light. Together, they created an evening that glowed with gratitude, community, and the enduring spirit of the season.
Thank you for supporting the efforts of the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra. Warm wishes for a happy holiday season!
Get ready for an unforgettable journey across worlds both mythical and interstellar!
On March 24, 2026 – The LSO’s Epic Adventures, Myths & Galaxies concert opens with an exhilarating side-by-side performance by the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra and Youth Orchestra, plus the 2026 Young Artists Competition winner. From the soaring skies of How to Train Your Dragon to the legendary realms of The Lord of the Rings and the iconic universe of Star Wars, this concert brings beloved film scores to life. Perfect for longtime fans and young adventurers alike—come dressed as your favorite character, bring a lightsaber if you dare, and prepare to launch into an evening of pure imagination!
On April 28, 2026 – Celebrate a landmark moment in our nation’s history with an unforgettable season finale!
The LSO’s 250 Years of Being concert honors the spirit that has shaped America through music that stirs pride, reflection, and unity—from Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man to patriotic favorites like Armed Forces Salute, America the Beautiful, and Sousa’s rousing marches. The evening culminates in a powerful performance of Andrés Martin’s Concerto for Violin and Orchestra, featuring internationally acclaimed violinist and LSO Concertmaster Samuel Vargas, for whom the work was written. Join us for a grand celebration of heritage, artistry, and the enduring power of live performance!
Tickets for either (or both) spring concerts may be accessed from this button.
© LaGrange Symphony Orchestra 2025/2026 | All rights reserved | 706.882.0662 | Richard Prior, Music Director & Conductor
