The New Haven Symphony Orchestra graces the stage at Fairfield University's Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts

The New Haven Symphony Orchestra graces the stage at Fairfield University's Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts

The New Haven Symphony Orchestra, the fourth oldest in the United States, will perform a holiday concert on Friday, Dec. 20 at 7:30 p.m. at Fairfield University's Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts. This program of traditional carols and classic selections from a wide variety of ethnic and cultural sources will feature the Elm City Girls' Choir and an end of the evening sing-along.

The program for this festive concert includes such standards as "White Christmas," "Baby, It's Cold Outside" and "Fantasia on Greensleeves," as well as the girls' choir's rendition of "Deo gracias," "Wolcum Yole" and "This Little Babe." Associate Conductor Gerald Steichen will direct the evening's concert.

The New Haven Symphony Orchestra (NHSO) first rehearsed in 1894 and gave its inaugural concert in January 1895. It is the fourth orchestra to form in the United States, following the New York Philharmonic and the Boston and Chicago symphonies. Since its inception, the NHSO has performed regularly in New Haven and has toured extensively throughout the state and beyond, including performances at Carnegie Hall.

In addition to presenting a classical repertoire, the orchestra has a long tradition of performing pops concerts. Its stellar roster of guest artists includes Reneacute;e Fleming, Benny Goodman, Marvin Hamlisch, Buddy Rich, Sarah Vaughn and James Taylor.

Assistant Conductor Gerald Steichen will conduct the 70-member orchestra. A member of the New York City Opera staff, Mr. Steichen spent several years conducting the national tour of "Phantom of the Opera" and also conducted the final performances of the longest-running show in Broadway history, "Cats."

The Elm City Girls' Choir offers girls in the Greater New Haven area an opportunity to sing choral music in a professional ensemble format. Members are chosen from diverse cultural, racial and socio-economic backgrounds based on their talent and motivation. The group provides musical training primarily through the study of a cappella pieces and formal training leading to musical literacy.

The girls' choir has had concerts in Connecticut and in Boston and has performed with the Saint Olai Girls' Choir of Sweden, the Moscow State Orchestra and others.

Tickets for the concert are $30 and $35. For tickets, call the Quick Center box office at (203) 254-4010 or toll free at 1-877-ARTS-396.

Posted On: 11-15-2002 09:11 AM

Volume: 35 Number: 118