Holiday affirmations find meaning at the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s annual December concerts. Seeking spiritual renewal? The ASO delivers as only the ASO can in Handel’s Messiah, Christmas with the ASO — Robert Shaw’s eternal gift to the city he loved —and Gospel Christmas with the ASO Gospel Choir.
In the mood for a rewarding tale for kids and the “kid” in you? Second Chance Christmas is just the ticket. For pure entertainment with a holiday glow, A Very Merry Holiday Pops, and an ASO New Year’s Eve Celebration starring singer supreme Sylvia McNair wrap up Atlanta’s favorite holiday package. Complete information is at
atlantasymphony.org and 404.733.5000.
Here’s a rundown:
Handel’s Messiah
December 3 & 5
Defining the sacredness of the season and resonating anew every time the ASO performs it, the awe-inspiring Messiah is a natural opener. Director of Choruses Norman Mackenzie conducts the ASO Chamber Chorus in the Christmas portion and “Hallelujah” Chorus, and the Bach Christmas Oratorio, Part III.
ASO Gospel Christmas
December 4 & 5
Join the roof-raising ASO Gospel Choir, comprised of leading singers from metro Atlanta churches and directed by Leroy Henderson, in traditional and contemporary songs from the soul. Conductor Chelsea Tipton II, a popular fixture at Gospel Christmas in recent years, guides the ASO.
A Kid’s Christmas
December 6 & 13
A Kid’s Christmas presents the uplifting story of Second Chance Christmas, an Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra commission and a favorite of audiences. Snowbound in Second Chance, a small, depressed villiage that has forgotten Christmas, the ASYO rallies around the town, which rediscovers the joys of the holiday, thanks to the exuberance and positivity of the youthful players. This heartwarming, new Christmas classic is told in Dr. Seuss-like rhyme.
Christmas with the ASO
December 10-12
An Atlanta holiday tradition unlike any other. Christmas with Robert Shaw was created some 40 years ago by the legendary ASO choral giant and quickly became Atlanta’s spiritual linchpin. Norman Mackenzie has both honored and built upon Mr. Shaw’s legacy, with over 400 musicians and singers, including the ASO Chorus, the Morehouse College Glee Club and the Gwinnett Young Singers, taking part in the greatest story ever told.
A Very Merry Holiday Pops
December 18 & 19
Variety is the spice of this lively new ASO tradition which features show-biz whiz Dan Menendez, a comic piano juggler who’s wowed Johnny Carson and Jay Leno; composer-pianist and Oprah guest Sam Stryke; a singing and dancing Santa; all your favorite holiday songs and sing-alongs; and the Lassiter and Walton High School Choruses. SuperPOPS’s Michael Krajewski conducts
and emcees.
ASO New Year’s Eve
December 31
Two-time Grammy Award-winner Sylvia McNair, an incomparable vocalist and a treasured ASO guest, returns to Symphony Hall to sing selections from great American composers, such as Irving Berlin and Rodgers and Hammerstein. Michael Krajewski leads the Orchestra.
Nikki Wooton is an intern in the ASO Public Relations Department and a student at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD).
