Maestro Victor Vener and Cal Phil Take Audiences on a Sleigh Ride

Victor Vener. – Courtesy Photo

Dec. 12 at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium

Maestro Victor Vener and his California Philharmonic are kicking off the world-class orchestra’s milestone 20th Anniversary Season with a spectacular Christmas concert featuring classics, holiday favorites, and more on Dec. 12, 2015, at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium located at 300 East Green Street, beginning at 7:30 p.m.

A holiday concert sure to delight people of all ages, “Sleigh Ride!” features Christmas classics including highlights from The Nutcracker, Hänsel & Gretel, and The Messiah, holiday songs from Home Alone, seasonal favorites, beloved Christmas carols and more.

“Music lovers throughout the Southland have eagerly waited for California Philharmonic to add more concerts throughout the year. We thought what better way to kick off our 20th Anniversary Season than with a holiday extravaganza at yet another one of Southern California’s cultural landmarks, the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, a concert hall known for its beautiful architecture, sumptuous decor and superb acoustics,” said Maestro Vener.

Mary Bridget Davies. – Courtesy Photo

Among the remarkable special guests is Tony Award®-nominated singer Mary Bridget Davies who is joining California Philharmonic following her sold-out performances of A Night with Janis Joplin at the Pasadena Playhouse.

Cedric Berry. – Courtesy Photo

Back by popular demand, and adding to the magic of Sleigh Ride!, is California Philharmonic fan favorite, bass-baritone Cedric Berry. Hailed for his memory-making performances, Cal Phil concert-goers will remember Mr. Berry from concerts past where he delighted audiences with music from Porgy and Bess, Showboat, Copland’s Old American Songs and more.

Cyrus “Glitch” Spencer. – Courtesy Photo

Also on tap for this one-of-a-kind holiday concert are some of the mesmerizing dancers and choreographers from the nine time Emmy Award winning hit television show So You Think You Can Dance including Season 9 runner-up Cyrus “Glitch” Spencer, all of whom are appearing in association with Lythgoe Family Productions.

The Pasadena Civic Auditorium has come to be known as “Music’s Gold Standard,” a title borne out by the wide range of Broadway musicals, ballet companies, orchestras and celebrity speakers as well as the Prime Time Emmy Awards, and the People’s Choice Awards to which it has played host. What’s more, it’s the jewel in Old Pasadena’s crown: a location convenient to freeways, light rail, fine dining, world-class museums, great shopping and more.

Each summer, Cal Phil performs its acclaimed concerts at two of Los Angeles County’s best music venues. Saturday nights see the orchestra concertizing under the stars on a beautiful grass meadow in the infield of historic Santa Anita Race Track. After its evenings outdoors, the orchestra moves inside Walt Disney Concert Hall, one of the world’s finest music spaces – and a landmark destination – for popular Sunday afternoon matinée performances.

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