SSO Winter Concert Features The Night Before Christmas

SALISBURY, MD---This year the Salisbury Symphony Orchestra at Salisbury University (SSO) puts a new spin on an old children’s favorite and introduces new selections in its annual Winter Concert. The holiday treat is 8 p.m. Saturday, December 11, in Holloway Hall Auditorium. The orchestra performs a mixture of both classical selections and holiday favorites including "Waltz of the Flowers" from The Nutcracker Suite by Tchaikovsky featuring student harpist Jessica Whalen, "Adeste Fidelis," "Sleigh Ride" and an innovative rendition of The Night before Christmas, narrated by Dr. Timothy O'Rourke, dean of the Charles R. and Martha N. Fulton School of Liberal Arts. In this performance the familiar children’s poem is set to music. “The music has been updated to emulate those sounds we often hear in contemporary film scores,” Knier says. “This will be the first time Salisbury audiences have heard this piece performed live in our community.” Other selections lending to the diversity of the program include Egmont Overture by Beethoven, Christmas Day by Gustav Holst (which is performed in conjunction with the SU Chorale and Chamber Choir), Hatikvah-The Hope (based on the Israeli National anthem) and Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring by Bach. “[Hatikvah-The Hope] is spirited, and it’s a lot of fun to perform and listen to,” says Knier of the new addition to the set. “Regardless of whether one celebrates, Christmas, Hanukkah, or neither, we have an opportunity to enjoy a variety of good music that comes to us from different cultures and musical periods.” Knier joined the SSO last semester. As a trombonist, he has toured with the Glenn Miller Orchestra and has performed with the Maryland Symphony and Pittsburgh Symphony orchestras among others. Sponsored by Price Buick Pontiac of Salisbury, the concert also features a guest appearance by Santa Claus. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and $5 for children and one free for SU faculty, students and staff. For more information call 410-543-6030 or visit the SU Web site www.salisbury.edu.