Carmel Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Concert Returns Dec. 8
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The Carmel Symphony Orchestra (CSO) was founded in 1975 and is comprised of 85 professional and passionate Resident Orchestra musicians. Monthly performances are held at The Palladium at The Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
CSO has an exciting line up of concerts for the holiday season and beyond. On December 8, they will play a concert full of familiar holiday music. The Indianapolis Children’s Choir will be performing with the orchestra and a fantastic soprano singer, Sarah Kate Walston, from Virginia, will be performing as a special guest. An earlier, shortened concert will be held for kids at 3 pm, with a special appearance made by Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Music Director, Janna Hymes, says this concert promises to be a great entrance to the holiday season.
This is Hymes’ second year with CSO. Versatility, passion and innovation are the hallmarks of the conductor’s style. She is renowned for her inspiring performances, musical depth and energetic presence. She started playing piano as a young girl when she was living in New York City and has been a passionate musician ever since.
“The greatest part of my job is making music with this fantastic group of people,” she says. “I also love the programming, meeting people in the community and hearing what they would like to hear from our orchestra. Performing at the Palladium is a dream. Our staff and board are fantastic and all our donors, sponsors and volunteers are amazing. But, at the end of the day, what makes me tick is making great music.”
In January, Pedcor is sponsoring a pops “A Salute to Heroes” concert that will be a salute to veterans, active military and first responders. The Wright brothers, Jennie DeVoe, members of the Actors Theater, the Singing Hoosiers and some dancers will also perform.
“It’s a really wonderful way to give back to the community, to veterans and to people who allow us to live life the way we want,” Hymes says. “It’s a really special concert, and we’re really excited about it.”
They’re building this program from the bottom up, arranging pieces and getting all the guest artists to suggest pieces that they would like to sing.
People often get nervous when they think about attending an orchestra performance. They may feel they won’t fit in. However, these concerts are very family friendly. Hymes says that often people attend for the first time not knowing what to expect. They end up loving the experience and subscribe the next day.
Hymes often gives pre-concert talks. She talks about Mozart or Tchaikovsky, who may seem serious, but she insists they were not serious or standoffish. They were great human beings who infused their unique personalities into the music. The history she imparts helps everyone connect to the composers and their music in fun and exciting ways.
“I think people should give CSO concerts a chance,” Hymes says. “I think you will be amazed and surprised by what you hear and how the music makes you feel. There is nothing like the power of 75 people playing their hearts out. It is really very exciting.”
You can find out more information and buy tickets at carmelsymphony.org or purchase tickets at the door.
