Journey Around the World this Christmas

CONROE, TX -- The Conroe Symphony Orchestra (CSO) invites you to embark on a festive global adventure with their upcoming holiday concert, "Christmas Around the World" on December 14. The orchestra will fill Conroe’s community with melodies inspired by Christmas traditions from across the globe, celebrating the beauty and diversity of the season through music.

Under the baton of Music Director Gary Liebst, the program promises both cherished carols and rare international selections. “We’ll be sharing music that celebrates the many wonderful holiday traditions around the world. From the origins of decorating a Christmas tree to the roots of Christmas carols, we’ll explore the countries where these traditions began and celebrate their influence on our American Christmas,” Liebst said. “Some traditions are religious, others secular, and we’re going to have a grand time presenting both.”

Among the beloved classics, concertgoers will also experience two special pieces. German-born mezzo-soprano Sonja Bruzauskas will perform Koppången, a Swedish song whose beautiful melody and winter imagery evoke scenes of a snow-covered church in a quiet country town. Trained on both sides of the Atlantic, Sonja has an expansive stage career in musical theater, opera, and oratorio, and she frequently performs as a concert singer and recitalist. Her work spans institutions like Rice University, LSU, Vanderbilt, CalArts, and the University of Houston, along with numerous health and cultural institutions.

“Sonja brings authenticity and a deep emotional connection to each piece she performs, and we’re thrilled to have her voice gracing our holiday concert,” Liebst said.

Joining Sonja on stage will be soprano Annie Voorhees, a 15-year-old sensation from St. John's School, and tuba soloist Roberto Gaitan, a finalist in the Young Texas Artist Competition. “Annie and Roberto are sensational talents, and we’re excited to showcase their artistry,” Liebst said.

True to tradition, the orchestra’s concert will also feature a lively sing-along, including a newly arranged piece by Dan Goeller. “We’ve received so many requests for the audience sing-along, and I’m thrilled to continue this holiday tradition,” Liebst said. “A personal highlight of the concert will be Silent Night, sung in three different languages by Bruzauskas and Voorhees, enhancing the universal appeal of this cherished carol.”

The Conroe Symphony Orchestra invites everyone to celebrate this longstanding tradition of music, family, and community. “Please join us for this wonderful Conroe tradition of celebrating the holidays with the Conroe Symphony Orchestra!” Liebst said.

The CSO will perform “Christmas Around the World” on December 14, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. at the First
Methodist Church Conroe located at 4308 W Davis St. There will be activities for the kids as well.

The orchestra is funded in part by the Texas Commission on the Arts. The CSO is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts. Tickets are on sale now at https://conroesymphony.org/ or by calling the box office at 936-760-2144.

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