Our annual Home for the Holidays concert takes place tonight and tomorrow afternoon, here in the beautiful Morris Performing Arts Center. I’ve been playing Christmas Pops all month, in various towns, and despite the repetition and schmaltz I always enjoy these concerts.
There is something so nice about a community tradition like this. I love to see all the people at the symphony who come only once a year. Families all dressed up in red and sparkles. Everyone out at the same time, enjoying the ornate hall and the festive atmosphere. At this once-a-year pops concert I don’t even chafe at all the normal symphonic rituals – the walking out and bowing, the formal tuning procedure, the standing up and sitting down. I kind of enjoy this showing off of our traditions.
So come on out, if you live nearby. It’s fun to slow things down and turn off your phone for a couple of hours to enjoy the magic of the season with the Symphony!