McLean Symphony in a 2011 holiday concert. Photo Contributed
The McLean Symphony and Maestro Dingwall Fleary present their annual holiday concert on Sunday, Dec. 16 at 3 p.m. in the McLean Community Center’s Alden Theatre.
The 2012 concert features the Baltimore-based classical guitarist Benjamin Beirs and the Symphony Festival Singers in a musical celebration of the season. As is its tradition, the symphony will close the concert with a rousing sing along of holiday favorites.
With a mission to bring music to the community, the McLean Symphony features unexpected selections and local artists in a family-friendly setting. The Dec. 16 performance includes:
Concerto in D Major for Guitar and Orchestra, Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco (with Benjamin Beirs)
Russian Christmas Music, Alfred Reed (arranged by McAlister)
Festive Sounds of Hanukkah, Bill Holcomb
Gloria in Excelsis Deo (from Mass No. 12, for Chorus & Orchestra), Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
A young classical guitarist, Benjamin Beirs trained at Peabody Conservatory and has performed with the Kennedy Center Chamber Players and Buffalo Philharmonic. A performer, teacher and composer, he performs the Castelnuovo-Tedesco Concerto in D major with “intense musicality,” (Julia Crowe, Mel Bay Guitar Sessions).
Tickets are available online (http://www.mclean-symphony.org/tickets) or at the Alden Theatre box office. Children 12 and under are free. The McLean Community Center and Alden Theater are located at 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean.
The McLean Symphony was established in 1971 as an all-volunteer chamber orchestra. Maestro Fleary is the founding conductor and musical force behind the symphony, having mentored and directed the players for more than 40 years.