The Susanville Symphony is set to light up the holiday week with a unique musical experience next Monday, December 22nd, as the Susanville Symphony String Quartet presents its first-ever Candlelight Concert, featuring two intimate performances at 6:00 and 7:30p.m.
According to Symphony Artistic Director Ben Wade, the event taps into a growing global musical trend.
“Candlelight concerts have been gaining momentum in the last few years, due to the intimate ambiance the candles bring to the venue, as well as popular music played by classical instruments,” explains Wade.
The concept was brought to Wade several months ago by the Symphony’s Concert Master, Laurentiu Norocel. Norocel will be featured in the concert, performing alongside his String Quartet, a group that has been playing together for many years.
“I thought it was a great idea,” says Wade, “and depending on how it goes, we will most likely add a candlelight concert to our main concert season next year.”
A New Venue for the Symphony
Sunday’s event also marks a special milestone for the organization: it will be their debut inside the historic Sierra Theatre.
“We are very excited to hold our first symphony performance in the Theater for the Performing Arts at the Sierra Theater,” said Wade.
“We have been working with the Smiths for almost two years to see this dream come true. It will be the perfect setting, the perfect lighting, and the perfect music to embrace the Holiday Season.”
The evening promises a blend of music perfectly suited for the string quartet format, woven into a tapestry of the season’s most beloved melodies. Invoke the majesty of the season with O Holy Night and the jubilant ringing of Ding Dong! Merrily on High. As the evening unfolds, you are invited to reflect on the quiet beauty of winter with In the Bleak Mid-Winter and the timeless story of Good King Wenceslas.
The energy rises, celebrating the festivities with Deck the Halls, before travelling in spirit to O Little Town of Bethlehem and recounting The First Noël. There will be traditional fun with the 12 Days of Christmas and the old-world charm of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.
Of course, no Christmas concert is complete without the tender peace of Silent Night and Away in a Manger, contrasted by the soaring triumphs of Hark! The Herald Angels Sing and Angels We Have Heard On High.
The quartet pays homage to the symbols of the season with O Christmas Tree, asks the poignant question Do You Hear What I Hear, and explores the haunting beauty of Greensleeves (What Child Is This) and the urgency of Carol of the Bells.
Ticket Information
Tickets are available online. You can also purchase tickets in person at Margie’s Booknook. A limited number of tickets may be available at the door prior to the performances.
Don’t miss this opportunity to see the Symphony in a whole new light!
