The New Haven Symphony Orchestra (NHSO) will perform its festive Holiday Extravaganza on Saturday, December 9 at 3:00 p.m. at the John C. Lyman Center for the Performing Arts at Southern CT State University and Sunday, December 10 at 3:00 p.m. at Shelton High School. Led by Principal Pops Conductor Chelsea Tipton, II, this cheery program features enchanting favorites such as The Nutcracker, Sleigh Ride, and Carol of the Bells, amongst an array of other symphonic delights. Special guests, The Shoreline Ringers handbell ensemble, will make their NHSO Holiday debut with music including Christmas Fantasy and Appalachian Carol, and a very special guest from the North Pole will be in attendance!
Chelsea Tipton, II says “It’s an absolute honor for me to lead the NHSO’s Holiday Extravaganza. This concert is going to be unforgettable, and whether you’re hearing the music for the first time or the tenth time, I encourage you to soak up the talent and beauty that surrounds you. Come get into the holiday spirit with your New Haven Symphony Orchestra!.”
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Formed in 2006, Shoreline Ringers is a community handbell ensemble who aim to support the continued development of the art of handbell ringing and promote the ringing of handbells as a legitimate musical art form while educating audiences and increasing their knowledge and appreciation of handbell music through their concert performances. Their handbell ringers, some of whom direct other handbell choirs, have a breadth of ringing experience, and have come together to learn a more advanced repertoire.
In keeping with the Symphony’s tradition of giving back to the community, the NHSO is encouraging audience members to answer community needs at these performances:
Saturday, December 9 – Food Drive for SCSU Student Food Pantry: Southern Connecticut State University’s (SCSU) Food Pantry will be taking donations at the December 9 performance, with the SCSU’s theater group the Crescent Players lending a hand to collect any donations received. Christopher Piscitelli, SCSU’s Associate Dean of Students says, “Donations contribute to the success of combating food insecurity among college students and help create a lasting impact on the lives of our students. Your support will help us to maintain a well-stocked inventory of essential items that will sustain our students’ well-being.” The food pantry has specifically requested the following items: brown & white rice, cereal, pasta & sauce, soups, canned fruits, gluten-free options (pastas, crackers, etc.), cooking oils and hygiene products.
Sunday, December 10 – Toy Drive for Toys 4 Kids: The NHSO is partnering with TEAM, Inc. for their Toys 4 Kids Annual Toy Drive at the December 10 performance at Shelton High School. TEAM Inc. is a private, not-for-profit human services agency whose mission is to ensure the causes & conditions of poverty are being addressed and the communities, families, and individuals they serve are empowered and strengthened through education, support, and opportunities.
Tickets: Adult tickets start at $15 and prices vary by performance. Tickets for youth under 18 are free with the purchase of an adult ticket. To purchase tickets, visit NewHavenSymphony.org or call (203) 693-1486 Monday-Friday from 12-5 p.m.
Holiday Extravaganza is sponsored by Southern CT State University, Valley Community Foundation, Frontier, and the New Haven Register.
