The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) kicks off the 2021 Holiday Season with Engelbert Humperdinck’s retelling of the famous Grimm Brothers’ Hansel & Gretel on Thursday, November 18, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, November 20, at 8 p.m. in Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre. Since it debuted on December 23, 1893, in a concert conducted by Richard Strauss, this Fairytale Opera in Three Acts remains Humperdinck’s most popular work and has become indelibly linked to the Christmas season. RPO Music Director Andreas Delfs will conduct the semi-staged production, with stage direction by Grant Preisser.
Rochester’s longest-running holiday tradition, The Nutcracker, returns live and in-person to Kodak Hall on Wednesday, November 24, at 7 p.m.; Friday, November 26, at 2 and 7 p.m.; Saturday, November 27, at 2 and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, November 28, at 2 p.m. Partnering with Rochester City Ballet (RCB) for their 21st mutual Nutcracker, the orchestra will be led by Tara Simoncic, who conducted 2019’s production and was scheduled to conduct last year’s canceled performances as well. Simoncic’s particular passion for the ballet has led her to guest conduct with some of the world’s most prestigious ballet companies, such as the New York City Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, and American Ballet Theater. Although he has led Rochester City Ballet since February of 2020, Artistic Director Robert Gardner will make his RPO debut with this year’s production.
The Bach Children’s Chorus (Karla Krogstad, director) will return as well for this family event. The Nutcracker is sponsored in part by Caldwell Manufacturing.
Next up on the holiday calendar is the North American premiere of The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert Live to Film on Saturday, December 11, at 6:30 p.m. in Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre. The 1992 film, starring Michael Caine as Ebenezer Scrooge and Kermit the Frog as Bob Cratchit, features an original score by Miles Goodman (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Little Shop of Horrors) with songs by Oscar®, Emmy® and Grammy®-winning songwriter Paul Williams. Colorado Symphony Resident Conductor Christopher Dragon will lead the RPO while the beloved film plays on the big screen. This presentation is licensed by Disney Concerts.
Then, Andreas Delfs returns to lead the RPO’s second Sunday afternoon matinee of the season on December 12 at 2 p.m. at Nazareth’s College’s Beston Hall at Glazer Music Performance Center. Bach, Martin + Mozart opens with Overture to Lucio Silla, written at the prime of J.C. Bach’s career. Next is Frank Martin’s 1949 Concerto for 7 Winds, Timpani, Percussion and Strings – a study in composition and balance. Rounding out the program is Mozart’s Symphony No. 41, the “Jupiter Symphony,” the longest and last of the composer’s symphonic works, which is regarded by many as one of the greatest symphonies in classical music.
Finally, another of Rochester’s premier holiday memory-makers, Gala Holiday Pops, returns to Kodak Hall for four performances: Friday, December 17, at 8 p.m.; Saturday, December 18, at 2 and 8 p.m.; and Sunday, December 19, at 2 p.m. Led by RPO Principal Pops Conductor Jeff Tyzik, who originated the seasonal favorite 28 years ago, this year’s edition will feature renowned Rochester vocalist Kearstin Piper Brown. As is traditional, the concert will feature members of the RPO family as well: Principal Cello Ahrim Kim (The Clara and Edwin Strasenburgh Chair) on “O Holy Night,” and Principal Percussion Jim Tiller (The Marie-Merrill and George M. Ewing Chair) on “The Skater’s Overture.” The program also includes many popular arrangements and compositions by Tyzik, such as his Nutcracker Mini Jazz Suite, Chanukah Suite, and The 12 Gifts of Christmas.
“Every holiday season is a special time for our RPO family, but this year is extra special now that we can once again gather together in the Eastman Theater and share our music with you,” adds Tyzik. “I’m thrilled to have soprano Kearstin Piper Brown join us as we perform holiday favorites and share the wondrous, warm, and winter sounds of your Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra.”
Tickets are available online anytime at rpo.org, by phone at 585-454-2100 (Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and in person 90 minutes prior to curtain at the Eastman Theatre Box Office, 433 East Main Street, for Kodak Hall concerts.
Patrons aged 12 and up are required to show proof of vaccination plus photo ID, and all patrons are required to wear masks during the entire performance. Venue capacity has been raised to 80 percent, but socially distanced areas are available for those with unvaccinated children or those who feel more comfortable with social distancing. The RPO continues to monitor CDC, state, and local guidelines, so protocols are subject to change.
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