Holiday Pops 2024
NEWS CONTACT:
Jennifer Brink, Executive Director
Phone: (518) 793-1348
E-mail: exdir@gfso.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 14, 2024
Glens Falls Symphony to Perform Holiday Pops Concert Featuring Selections from “The Nutcracker” and Local School Choruses
On December 8 at 4 pm, the Glens Falls Symphony will return to the stage for the community’s favorite tradition of “Holiday Pops!” The orchestra will be joined on stage by dancers from Saratoga Springs Youth Ballet performing selections from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, performed by dancers from Saratoga Springs Youth Ballet. Also joining the orchestra will be many voices of choral singers from South Glens Falls High School and Warrensburg Central School
Holiday Pops 2024
Sunday, December 8, 2024 at 4 pm
Glens Falls High School Auditorium
10 Quade Street, Glens Falls, NY 12801
(Note: there is no pre-concert talk for this performance)
Program
Charles Peltz, Music Director
Featuring: Warrensburg High School Choir, Kristen Willman, Director
South Glens Falls High School Chorus, Betsy Stambach-Fuller, Director
Students from Saratoga Springs Youth Ballet - Founders and Co-Artistic Directors: Joan Kilgore Anderson and Cristiane Santos
Selections include “Christmas Festival,” from the Nutcracker including Trepak, Waltz of the Flowers, Spanish Dance, and the Dance of the Reed Flutes.
Also on the program are the "Procession of the Nobles" by Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov, music by English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams, "Feliz Navidad,” "Festive Sounds of Hanukkah,” “For the Beauty of the Earth,” by John Rutter, sing-along melodies, and the perennial favorite, “Sleigh Ride” by Leroy Anderson.
Concert Sponsors:
Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Co.
Keena
Holiday Pops Related Events & Concert Details:
• Wednesday, November 28 at 2:30 pm, “Sound+Film” series, featuring a FREE screening of The Nutcracker at a new location the Queensbury Senior Center, 742 Bay Road, Queensbury, NY Contact: stephanie@seniorsonthego.org to reserve your seat.
• Sunday, December 8, at 4 pm, Holiday Pops 2024, featuring the Saratoga Springs Youth Ballet and Choruses from South Glens Falls and Warrensburg High Schools.
TICKETS: Adult: $43/$33/$29
Student Ticket: $12
Family Ticket for 2 Adults and 2 Children: $90.00
Location: Glens Falls High School Auditorium, 10 Quade St, Glens Falls, NY 12801.
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For more information, contact Jennifer Brink at (518) 793-1348 or exdir@gfso.org
www.theglensfallssymphony.org
Glens Falls Symphony Office (518) 793-1348
Located upstairs in the LARAC Gallery building: 7 Lapham Place in Glens Falls
Office hours: Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
About Glens Falls Symphony
The Glens Falls Symphony began as a community amateur orchestra in 1977 at the then-named Adirondack Community College. The symphony successfully moves into its fourth decade of music-making as a professional orchestra since its incorporation in 1983. Since Maestro Charles Peltz arrived in 2000, the fully professional Glens Falls Symphony has performed a dynamic repertoire, regularly including musical premieres and world-renowned guest artists while expanding musical offerings to include family concerts, summer pops programs, and more. Cited as “one of the great orchestras of our country” by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Joseph Schwantner, the orchestra comprises professional musicians from all over the Northeast to perform.
Saratoga Springs Youth Ballet Exclusive: Holiday Pops 2024
Saratoga Springs Youth Ballet was founded in 2020 by Joan Kilgore Anderson and Cristiane Santos. After working together for 8 years, the two former professional dancers decided to open their school to focus on proper ballet training and technique. They are passionate about their work and strive to give the best to their students, families, and community.
Mission Statement: Saratoga Springs Youth Ballet is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that is committed to providing quality professional dance training to pre-professional students throughout the Greater Saratoga region. Students achieve their potential as dancers and artists while learning in a collaborative environment. A focus is put on building self-confidence and maturity in a nurturing atmosphere with an emphasis on performance and positive reinforcement. Dancers learn the value of hard work and garner an appreciation and love for the arts.
GFS: How do you approach working with the dancers to bring your vision to life for the Nutcracker? Do you have a specific process or method?
SSYB: Casting and rehearsals begin in September. SSYB follows a classic adaptation of the story with choreography that highlights the talents of our young dancers. The production progresses throughout the fall with additional Saturday rehearsals every week. Extra performances, such as Holiday Pops! help to prepare the dancers for the stage.
GFS: Can you describe your artistic vision for this year’s Holiday Pops concert, and what our audiences can expect to experience on stage?
SSYB: Artistically, we hope to bring the magic and joy of the beloved holiday story to the Glens Falls stage. We hope to inspire an audience of all ages!
GFS: What do you enjoy most about partnering with the Maestro Peltz, and the musicians of the Glens Falls Symphony?
SSYB: We are excited to give the amazing opportunity of performing with a live professional orchestra to our young dancers.
GFS: Please share with us about your upcoming performances of the Nutcracker this December 2024,
SSYB Full performances will be held at The Performing Arts Center at the University at Albany. December 21st 2pm & 7pm. December 22nd 2pm.
Tickets available here:
https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/ssyballet/the-nutcracker-2030394712