The Coffee Hour — Christmas with the St. Louis Symphony

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‘Tis the season to celebrate Christmas with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra! Peter Henderson (SLSO Principal Keyboard player joins Sarah to talk about his time with the SLSO, what he loves about playing Christmas programs with the SLSO, what makes these programs so special for the St. Louis community, and the line up for this year’s celebration. Learn more about these performances and find ticket information at slso.org, or by contacting the box office at tickets@slso.org or 314-534-1700.

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Handel’s Messiah | Joyful Praise
Friday, December 12, 7:30 CST
Saturday, December 13, 7:30 CST
Sunday, December 14, 3:00 CST

Nicholas McGegan, conductor
Sherezade Panthaki, soprano
Sara Couden, contralto (SLSO debut)
John Matthew Myers, tenor
Philippe Sly, bass-baritone
St. Louis Symphony Chorus | Erin Freeman, director

G.F. Handel’s Messiah:

G.F. Handel’s Messiah has stood the test of time. Originally written as a retelling of Jesus’ life through text compiled from the King James Bible, the oratorio has gained prominence as a holiday favorite, especially the “Hallelujah Chorus.” Nicholas McGegan, one of the world’s foremost experts on Handel’s music, conducts the SLSO and St. Louis Symphony Chorus in this beloved holiday tradition. Joining McGegan is a quartet of vocal soloists, including soprano Sherezade Panthaki, mezzo-soprano Sara Couden in her SLSO debut, tenor John Matthew Myers, and bass-baritone Philippe Sly.

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IN UNISON Christmas with the Clark Sisters
Thursday, December 18, 7:30 CST
Friday, December 19, 7:30 CST

Kevin McBeth, conductor
The Clark Sisters, vocals
St. Louis Symphony IN UNISON® Chorus | Kevin McBeth, director
Repertoire and additional artists announced later.
Supported by Bayer Fund.

A beloved holiday tradition for decades, the SLSO and St. Louis Symphony IN UNISON Chorus celebrate the season with soulful melodies of Christmas favorites. This year, the ensembles are joined by gospel legends the Clark Sisters. This festive concert brings together a beautiful blend of gospel, jazz, and traditional holiday tunes. As a group, the Clark Sisters have won two Grammy Awards and are the highest-selling female gospel group in history. In 2020, the Clark Sisters were honored with the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award at the 35th Annual Stellar Awards. In 2022, the group was inducted into the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame.

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Mercy Holiday Celebration
Saturday, December 20, 2:00pm & 7:30pm CST
Sunday, December 21, 2:00pm & 7:30pm CST
Tuesday, December 23, 2:00pm CST

Stuart Malina, conductor
Kennedy Holmes, vocals
St. Louis Symphony Chorus | Erin Freeman, director
Repertoire and additional artists announced later.
Presented by Mercy.

Experience the magic of the holidays as St. Louis native Kennedy Holmes joins the SLSO to perform seasonal favorites and exciting twists on timeless classics. A cherished tradition, this festive performance promises to fill the air with cheer. From the joyous sounds of sleigh bells to new renditions of beloved tunes, this concert brings the holiday season to life in a way that only the SLSO and hometown favorite Holmes can. Holmes originally rose to fame during season 15 of the NBC hit show “The Voice” and has since performed with the SLSO several times.

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Home Alone in Concert
Saturday, December 27, 2:00pm & 7:00pm CST
Sunday, December 28, 2:00pm CST

Joshua Gersen, conductor
The St. Louis Children’s Choirs | Dr. Alyson Moore, artistic director
John Williams Home Alone

A true holiday favorite, this beloved comedy classic features renowned composer John Williams’ charming and delightful score performed live by the SLSO. Macaulay Culkin stars as Kevin McCallister, an 8-year-old boy who’s accidentally left behind when his family leaves for Christmas vacation and who must defend his home against two bungling thieves. Hilarious and heart-warming, Home Alone is fun for the entire family. The SLSO is joined by the St. Louis Children’s Choirs for this holiday treat.

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New Year’s Eve Celebration
Wednesday, December 31, 7:30pm CST

Stéphane Denève, conductor
Stewart Goodyear, piano

Leonard Bernstein Candide Overture
Georges Bizet Selections from L’Arlésienne
Jacques Offenbach Excerpts from Gaîté Parisienne
Orchestrated by Manuel Rosenthal
George Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue
Orchestrated by Ferde Grofé
George Gershwin An American in Paris
Revised by Frank Campbell-Watson

Break out the bubbly and ring in the new year in style with the SLSO’s sparkling New Year’s Eve Celebration, led by Music Director Stéphane Denève. Denève pays homage to two countries in this rousing program: his native France and his adopted home of the US, concluding with George Gershwin’s An American in Paris, capturing the essence of his two home nations. Canadian pianist Stewart Goodyear returns to the SLSO for Gershwin’s iconic Rhapsody in Blue.

As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you’d like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

Today’s episode of The Coffee Hour is underwritten in part by Concordia University, Chicago. You can learn more about Concordia University, Chicago at cuchicago.edu.