SOUTH COAST TODAY.com – Parkway Concert Orchestra (PCO) community instrumental ensemble presents two annual Holidays Pops Concerts on Sunday, Dec. 2 at 3 p.m. at St. Mary’s Parish Center Auditorium, 205 Washington Street, East Walpole, and on Sunday, Dec. 9 at 4 p.m., First Congregational Church, 100 Winter Street Norwood.
The performances are directed by guest conductor Elijah Langille.
A resident of Plymouth, Langille is music director of South Shore Conservatory’s Youth Orchestra. He is an avid educator and conductor throughout Massachusetts, currently conducting the New Bedford High School Orchestras and serving as the organist at Christ Church, Plymouth.
He sings with Tanglewood Festival Chorus, performing at venues such as Boston’s Symphony Hall, Carnegie Hall, and the Koussevitzky Music Shed, under prominent conductors including Andris Nelsons, Keith Lockhart and Bramwell Tovey. Langille also conducted the Southeastern Massachusetts Bandmasters Association’s (SEMSBA) Junior Orchestra in 2017 and the SEMSBA Senior Orchestra in 2016.
Classical and holiday pops favorites for the entire family delight in PCO’s annual Holidays Pops Concerts, including Waltz of the Flowers, ‘A Children’s Overture’ by Roger Quilter, Christmas at the Movies and Wassail Dances, a press release from the orchestra states. Audiences enjoy singing along to holiday favorites such as Deck the Halls, Jingle Bells and Silent Night honoring this special season. The performances welcome listeners of all ages for a unique seasonal concert experience. Refreshments, prizes and raffle opportunities add to the festive atmosphere.
Langille reflects on the holiday season as a special time, particularly through the vast amount of joyous music that surrounds its traditions.
“My hope is that these concerts offer a unique holiday experience to the listener, as well as the musicians in the orchestra. It is truly a unique ensemble that values musical excellence while actively seeking to connect to the community,” said Langille. “As a conductor, it’s my job to be the liaison to the music, so that every voice can be heard and each color experienced.”
Langille recognizes the challenge in presenting a holiday program while providing a fresh look on classic favorites. “I’m encouraging a unique sound from Parkway Concert Orchestra, so that we each can enjoy a more nuanced experience this season, by fully investing ourselves in the music we’re performing, communicating effectively to every member of the audience,” says Langille. He keeps in mind that it could be the first time a musician or listener is experiencing this style of concert. “What a beautiful obligation we have to provide them with the most magical experience possible,” he shares, “Joy is contagious, I hope that we can serve as that beacon for our community.”
The Parkway Concert Orchestra was founded in 1945 by West Roxbury music teacher Ferdinand Fassnacht. This 50-piece non-profit community orchestra presents six to eight concerts annually in multiple locations around the southwest suburbs of Boston. Repertoire includes classical and pops selections.
Admission to the Walpole Holiday Pops performance is $10 in advance, $15 at the door, $80 for a table of 10. Proceeds support the Father Donald R. Delay Service Recognition Award program. To reserve tickets for the Walpole performance, call 508-668-4974.
Admission to the Norwood Holiday Pops performance is a donation of $15, $10 for seniors and students and free for children under the age of 12. This concert is sponsored by Folsom & May Funeral Home and the program is supported in part by a grant from the Norwood Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. Light refreshments and free parking are included. For ticket reservations to the Norwood performance, please call 781-444-5041 or email parkwayconcertorchestra@gmail.com.
For more information on all concerts, visit ParkwayConcertOrchestra.org.
