Music in the Mountains Holiday Pops concert

THE AMARAL FAMILY FESTIVAL CENTER at the Nevada County Fairgrounds becomes a winter wonderland on December 12-13 as Music in the Mountains presents “Holly Jolly Holidays,” its annual Holiday Pops concert.

“This year’s program has something for everyone,” says Ryan Murray, MIM’s resident conductor. “We have pieces for the orchestra alone, a cappella choral pieces, great blockbuster pieces that feature the chorus and orchestra together, and a few chances for everyone to sing along.”

The program at the Fairgrounds in Grass Valley includes classic carols, some “turbocharged” arrangements by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, the Gustav Holst cantata Christmas Day (1910), and
some fun arrangements of “Frosty the Snowman,” “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,” “Jingle Bells” and “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” “I guarantee you will walk away singing,” Ryan says.

A free children’s concert, including a visit from Santa Claus, is on Saturday, December 12 at 11 a.m. The “Holly Jolly Holidays” program is Saturday, December 12 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 13 at 2 p.m. Tickets and information are available at MusicintheMountains.org, BriarPatch box office, or by calling 530-265-6124.

MIM is partnering with the Nevada County Food and Toy Run for the children’s concert on December 12. Bring an unwrapped toy or non-perishable food item to the concert. For more information, go to ToyRun.org.

Vienna at Midnight

MIM also is presenting a New Year’s Eve extravaganza called “Vienna at Midnight.” The Dec. 31 gala will feature cocktails, delicious food prepared by Chef Antonio of Antonia Ayestaran Custom Catering, a fast-paced show with Countess Katya Smirnoff-Skyy and her unique operatic renditions, the MIM orchestra, party favors and some additional sur- prises, says Event Chair Barbara Hampton.

“Years ago, MIM did an annual New Years Eve party, and I’m excited to see it being revived,” says MIM President Terry Brown. For more in- formation call 530-265-6124 or visit MusicintheMountains.org.