Holiday Sketches

PROGRAM NOTES

Holiday Sketches

Leroy Anderson: A Christmas Festival
Composed in 1950, this short concert work is packed with excitement. From ‘Joy to the World’ to ‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing,’ A Christmas Festival will have you humming many of your favorite Christmas carols.

Samuel Barber: Canzonetta for Oboe and Strings
This heartfelt song for oboe and strings is not unlike looking through a window on a quiet wintry night. In an intimate setting, the string orchestra accompanies the beautiful melodies of the solo oboe.

Sergei Prokofiev: ‘Troika’ from Lieutenant Kijé
Prokofiev’s raucous sleigh ride is a holiday favorite. Dancing pizzicatos in the strings, bassoons scurrying in the snow, and a majestic conclusion make this brisk piece entertaining for the whole family.

Johann Strauss Sr.: Radetzky March
Written in 1848, this march has not only become Austria’s unofficial national anthem, but it has also become a must for New Year celebrations. Imbued with an incredible spirit, we invite you to clap along with the SCSO as we perform this holiday classic.

Alexander Glazunov: “Winter” from The Seasons
Glazunov’s The Seasons was originally intended to accompany a ballet. Written in a late-romantic style, orchestras have extracted the best selections for the concert stage. From our selection, you’ll hear depictions of (Minnesota’s) wintry conditions – from frost, hail, and snow.

Franz Gruber: Silent Night (arr. Davis and Custer)
This tender arrangement of the classic will bring a sweet and familiar touch to our festive program.

Leroy Anderson: Sleigh Ride
Leroy Anderson probably never imagined his Sleigh Ride would become synonymous with the winter holidays. After all, it was written during a heatwave in July of 1946 while Anderson was visiting his summer home in Woodbury, Connecticut. From its iconic sleigh bells, temple-blocks, and a slapstick to the final horse-neighing at the end, Sleigh Ride continues its reign as one of the most spirited holiday classics.

James Stephenson: A Holly and Jolly Sing Along
A St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra tradition, we invite you to join us in singing many of your favorite Christmas Carols. Stephenson’s A Holly and Jolly Sing Along is the perfect way to usher in the festive spirit!