As the holiday season unfolds, we invite you to indulge in a delightful evening with the Rochester Symphony Orchestra (RSO) at our holiday celebration concert, "My Favorite Things." Under the direction of Maestro Zeljko Milicevic, join us on Friday, December 13, 2024, at 8:00 p.m. at the elegant St. Paul’s Methodist Church, located at 620 Romeo Road, Rochester, Michigan. Let our enchanting holiday melodies and harmonious arrangements elevate your festive gatherings, creating cherished memories that will linger long after the last note fades.

This year, we are thrilled to announce the return of senior command members of the United States Marine Corps, who will grace our event with their presence, fostering a spirit of community and camaraderie. Together, we will support the Marine Corps cherished “Toys for Tots” toy collection, adding a heartfelt dimension to our celebration. Do not miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the charm of classical music while contributing to a noble cause.

The musical festivities will begin with the iconic “My Favorite Things” from composers Rodgers and Hammerstein, and beautifully arranged by the talented Terry Lower. Delight in a collection of seasonal favorites that include Malcolm Arnold’s “Holly and the Ivy Concert Suite,” Characteristic Dances from Tchaikovsky’s beloved “Nutcracker,” and the whimsical “Skier’s Waltz” by Morton Gould. The evening will crescendo with Leroy Anderson’s splendid arrangement of “A Christmas Festival,” featuring five cherished Christmas songs that will resonate with audiences of all ages, and the beloved classic, “Sleigh Ride.” Adding a touch of magic, the evening will also present a heartwarming rendition of “The Night Before Christmas,” narrated by St. Paul’s United Methodist Church’s Pastor Elbert Dulworth, promising to ignite the joy of the season in every listener's heart.

This plans to be a truly enchanting evening as we celebrate the festive spirit of the season with the delightful sounds of our special guests “The Capital City Ringers,” a distinguished handbell ensemble hailing from Lansing, Michigan. Their remarkable performances have captivated audiences across many states, including Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Wisconsin, New Jersey, and even extending to the magical realms of Disney World. As featured performers at the esteemed Handbell Musicians of America Area V Festival Conferences, they will grace our stage with a splendid array of beloved holiday songs, creating an atmosphere of warmth and joy.

This year, we again invite you to partake in a cherished tradition: a sing-along led by our talented musicians, featuring the heartwarming piece “Let There Be Peace on Earth” by Sy Mill and Jill Jackson.

In the spirit of giving, we kindly encourage you to bring an unwrapped toy to the concert, helping us to bring joy to local children in need this holiday season. Tickets, priced at $30 for adults and $5 for students, are available on our website at https://www.rochestersymphony.com/event/my-favorite-things or by contacting our Box Office at 248-651-4181. Please note that while tickets will be available at the door, this favorite concert is known to sell out quickly, so we implore you to secure your seats early. Additionally, consider gifting tickets to our remarkable concerts this Christmas—an eloquent present that any lover of classical music would cherish.

Join us in experiencing the wonder of music that brings hearts together and spreads joy like twinkling lights on a winter's night! We look forward to celebrating this magical evening with you, where parking is always complimentary.