Holiday concert brings Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra, choirs together

As with any form of art that rewards more than cursory attention, classical music can seem daunting to newcomers, something the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra fully understands. The group's "Home for the Holidays" concert on Monday may be the place to dispel illusions.

Among other gestures to try and break down perceived barriers, the TSO has, since the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater's opening in 2011, performed Fourth of July pops concerts at the venue. More recently, the TSO has increased its pop-up mini-performances, in places other than a concert hall.

But there are no deep mysteries to attending a more formal performance, said Natassia Perrine, the TSO's executive director.

"Last night, a gentlemen called saying 'I feel so silly asking this question,' " she said. " 'But I'm going to ask it anyway: What do I wear?'

"No. 1: Come as you are. We want you to feel at home. No. 2, it's kind of business casual. You might see some people in a cocktail dress, but you might also see someone there in jeans and a flannel.... It's very much like church, in fact. Be yourself; just come.

"It's the holidays, so if you want, jazz it up. I'll probably glitz it up a little, because that's what I like.

"But so many people are nervous. They hear symphony and think black tie, tails, evening gowns .... I like a good outfit, and if you want, bring it; but you really don't have to."

The other chief fear among prospective patrons is concern they won't know the music, and might clap in the wrong place.

"Adam (Flatt, the music director since 2011) makes sure that at every concert, there's something you know," she said. Whether it be the romp of "The Lone Ranger"'s theme, in film scores from"A Clockwork Orange" to "2001: A Space Odyssey," or something you heard Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd wailing during a Looney Tune, most will recognize stretches from classical, baroque and romantic repertoire, whether they know the work by name, and at full length, or not.

Obviously, the Fourth of July pops concerts are heavy with familiar sounds, but so are the annual holiday performances. The 2022 "Home for the Holidays" is coming up 7 p.m. Monday in the Moody Concert Hall, 810 Second Ave. on the University of Alabama campus.

"This concert, you'll probably know all the songs," Perrine said.

Because many of these favorites are sung, the TSO will be joined by an array of the area's best-trained voices, including those of the Prentice Concert Chorale, named for Fred Prentice, the late UA choral professor who founded the community choir, the Shelton (State Community College) Singers, and the Alabama Choir School.

"Home for the Holidays"' repertoire includes "Christmas Favorites," by Bruce Chase; "Carol of the Bells" arranged by Richard Hayman; Mannheim Steamroller's "Stille Nacht," arranged by Calvin Custer; "Adoration of the Magi," from the Botticelli Triptych by Ottorino Respighi; "A Hanukkah Celebration," arranged by Lucas Richmond; "Fantasia on 'We Three Kings'" by Brian Balmages; "And the Glory of the Lord," from "Messiah" by George Frideric Handel; "Christmas is Coming," arranged by Mack Wilberg; "The Many Moods of Christmas, Suite no. 3," arranged by Robert Russell Bennett; "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" and "Do You Hear What I Hear," arranged by Emily Crocker; a Christmas pops singalong, arranged by John Kuzma; and "This Christmastide," by Donald Fraser.

"This does remind me of what we do on the Fourth of July, because everyone will hear something they know, and can sing along with," Perrine said. "It's about community and togetherness; all the things the season is about."

Unlike many symphonic concerts, the audience will indeed be encouraged to sing along toward the end of the concert, which has become, over the years, many folks' favorite part. And don't worry about the clapping, Perrine said. The standard is, if a piece has multiple segments under one title, wait until the end of all three or four, but if you should respond spontaneously at some moment to a moving piece of music, don't sweat it.

"We'll receive the love," she said, laughing.

The holiday concerts are always a hot ticket, so early purchase is encouraged. All student seats are free.

"We're really seeing families utilize the free students tickets with (concerts such as this)," she said. "That's fantastic. That's why were doing it. I hope we'll get some new folks in this concert, that will be like 'Oh, I want to bring my kids back March 26'" (for the Family Discovery Concert, 'Give Me Space')."

Audiences can also participate in the broader sense, as the TSO continues its strategic planning for the next five years. Perrine, who took on the TSO job this spring has been working with Flatt and the board about this since September.

There's a newly-minted vision created by that team: "The Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra will be the premier resource for symphonic music in West Alabama." That's in addition to its already established mission statement: "The mission of the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra is to foster and encourage the appreciation of music through live concert performances and educational programs that are diverse, enriching and of the highest quality."

In January, listening sessions will begin, seeking public involvement. Some will be one-on-one, and others group events. Also that month, the TSO's web site, www.tsoonline.org, will include a place for feedback and input.

"Of course it's nice to hear why people love the symphony, but it's also important to hear what we need to work on," she said. "Truly, the most important job for us will be listening."

'Home for the Holidays' tickets

General admission seats for "Home for the Holidays" cost $30 and $40, depending on location. All student tickets are free. For more, see www.tsoonline.org, or call 205-752-5515.

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: TSO to collaborate with ACS, Shelton Singers, Prentice Concert Chorale