Music in the Mountains’ Holiday Concerts

THIS DECEMBER, THE MUSIC IN THE Mountains orchestra and chorus kicks off “the most wonderful time of the year” with Happy Holidays, a festive, family-friendly concert that features traditional holiday classics, favorite sing-along carols, and new songs written by some of the top choral composers.

Regarded as one of the region’s premier holiday concerts, Music in the Mountains transforms the Amaral Center at the Nevada County Fairgrounds into a gorgeous vision of holiday splendor. The 25-piece professional orchestra and 80-member chorus entertains and inspires listeners with such beloved songs as “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” “First Noel,” “The Grinch,” “Carol of the Bells,” “Silent Night,” and “White Christmas.”

“This is music that evokes memories of youth, family and community, and it’s always amazing for us all to experience that together,” says Music in the Mountains resident conductor and choral director Ryan Murray.

This year’s concert is Murray’s 11th holiday concert, and he promises that audiences will enjoy their traditional favorites along with several new pieces, performances and performers.

Unlike Happy Holidays concerts in the past, which featured one long classical piece as the show’s centerpiece, this year’s concert will have more shorter pieces that cover a wide variety of vocal music. It also includes new compositions by Eric Whitacre, Dan Forrest and Barlow Bradford. Their arrangements are beautiful, challenging, and will be brand new for Nevada County audiences.

“For me, Happy Holidays is an important part of my year,” says Murray. “Not only does it kick off the holiday season, these concerts are also a great opportunity to connect with audience members and feature the local talent we have in our community. I always enjoy when the audience sings along; it’s another level of connection with our audience, and I look forward to that every year.”

There are two opportunities to see Happy Holidays, with an evening concert Saturday, December 8, at 7:30 p.m. and a matinee on Sunday, December 9, at 2 p.m. Each performance welcomes the entire family to celebrate in the magic of the holiday season through the beauty of its music.

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