The 26th Annual WPO Holiday Pops was a festive time with refreshments, great music, and even a visit from Santa and his Sugar Plum Fairy! We had a very appreciative audience, who sang heartily in the Singalong (and endured my corny jokes). We had some very happy winners of our great raffles, which included a doggie (gift) bag, a kitty gift bag, a wine basket, a "money tree" (with lotto tickets), a chance to conduct the orchestra, and a 50/50 raffle.
For the record, our Music Librarian and Board Member Artie Payne won the 50/50, and donated the winnings back to the WPO. We thank him for his generosity and spirit, not to mention all the hard work he does so well for the orchestra.
And our "surprise" winning conductor was Barbara, the young daughter of our trumpet player John Monahan, who did a splendid job of conducting the orchestra for the classic Leroy Anderson's Sleigh Ride.
Of course, there was the music--great music conducted by Music Director Michael Korn and Associate Conductor Ray Daniels. They both had a wonderful time, although Ray was a bit suspicious during Michael's absence when our visiting Santa greeted him in a decidedly Russian accent...
Two very special guest soloists were Gabriel Korn and Masha Shabalina, both very talented children who beguiled the audience with their violin solos, playing Oskar Rieding's Violin Concerto in B minor, Op. 35. If this performance is any indication, they both have wonderful musical futures!
The musicians played splendidly. They were in truly fine form and enjoyed themselves as much as the audience, if not more. We greatly appreciate their talent, dedication, and commitment, which is so great a part of the WPO's longevity and popularity.
We also want to again thank People's United Bank for their generosity and partial sponsorship, as well as our advertisers, donors, and supporters.
And a big shout-out to our volunteers, the WPO Boosters, and their Fearless Leader, Board Member and Volunteer Coordinator Robin Capello, without whom we could never have as grand an occasion as we do--not only for the Pops, but for every concert!
Although the year is coming to a close, the WPO 2013-2014 season continues with two more concerts, in February and May.
On Saturday, February 15th, we'll present "The Great B's of Classical Music," but they're not the usual B's one might think of, so you'll be in for a real treat and a great way to extend your Valentine's celebration by bringing everyone you love to a live performance that will warm and enchant you on a chilly February evening.
And, on Saturday, May 3rd, we'll present "South of the Border!" featuring Latino and Latino-inspired music. This will be a very special occasion with the participation of the students of the Plympton Elementary School, Waltham. This concert will also feature the winner of the WPO's Student Concerto Competition, so there will be much in the way of young talent!
The Waltham Philharmonic Orchestra is dedicated to encouraging student musicians of all ages to develop their talent, and offers opportunities to play with the orchestra. Anyone interested can contact us at admin@wphil.org, and visit us at rehearsals. We'll have more information about developing young talent in future postings.
In the meantime, the Board, Staff, and Volunteers of the Waltham Philharmonic Orchestra wish you all a very Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!
Remember: It's the year's end, but not the season's end for the WPO's 2013-2014 concerts--we hope to see you all there!
