Philadelphia Orchestra Returns To Kimmel Center For Annual Holiday Concerts
By Paul Kurtz
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The Philadelphia Orchestra returns to the Kimmel Center for its annual Glorious Sound of Christmas Concerts. The world renowned symphony held its final rehearsal Thursday.
Guest conductor Bramwell Tovey created a relaxed atmosphere as he bantered with his musicians and singers during the two and a half hour warmup. It was the first time he brought both groups together ahead of the opening, a calculated strategy designed to prevent them from peeking too soon.
"While similarly once December the 26th rolls around everybody has had enough of Christmas music, as performers that works the same way. You can really rehearse it too much so what I'm looking for is a little bit of spontaneity and yet that polish that the orchestra is really world famous for."
This is Tovey's third holiday appearance in four years and it has become one of his favorite events on the calendar.
"Make no mistake about it. This is the great Philadelphia Orchestra of legendary fame and they work really intensely during the year. And their music making is very committed, very exciting. But at Christmas we can all sort of collectively let our hair down a little bit."
Once again the charismatic Tovey will be conducting holiday standards along with his own arrangements and he won't just be waving his baton.
"For me as a musician, it's fun to be in the trenches with the musicians in the orchestra. They actually see me doing something for a change as opposed to wafting around in the air and barking instructions like a football coach. I actually get out to play. And that's always fun, too."
There are four shows on this year's schedule, one each evening through Saturday along with a Sunday matinee. Tickets are still available.
