A "Madison Symphony Christmas": Ho-Ho-Home for the Holidays
by Greg Hettmansberger
by Greg Hettmansberger
Tenor Harold Meers Friday night marked the fifth year yours truly has attended the Madison Symphony’s Christmas concert … more than long enough to know that the response is less review and more an affirmation that it remains an event that makes Madison feel like home at Christmas than any other event. In fact, John DeMain’s always-admirable blend of traditional treats and savory surprises has come to seem a little like coming back home itself: There is the extended “family” of the MSO, Madison Symphony Chorus, Madison Youth Choirs, Mt. Zion Gospel Choir, Uncle Sam (Samuel Hutchinson) at the organ, a couple of special guests and more than two thousand eager and delighted “kids” in the audience, anxious to see what our musical Santa will share with us this year.
Some things (happily) never change, and one knows that the first half will close with the “Hallelujah Chorus.” But for those who wanted more Handel and earlier, the wait wasn’t long. Following an explosive “Joy to the World” from orchestra and the MSO Chorus and Madison Youth Choirs, tenor Harold Meers took the stage for a dignified and powerful “Comfort Ye My People” and “Every Valley Shall Be Exalted.” His strong and unforced vocalism was balanced by an energetic “And the Glory of the Lord” from the MSO Chorus.
Some things (happily) never change, and one knows that the first half will close with the “Hallelujah Chorus.” But for those who wanted more Handel and earlier, the wait wasn’t long. Following an explosive “Joy to the World” from orchestra and the MSO Chorus and Madison Youth Choirs, tenor Harold Meers took the stage for a dignified and powerful “Comfort Ye My People” and “Every Valley Shall Be Exalted.” His strong and unforced vocalism was balanced by an energetic “And the Glory of the Lord” from the MSO Chorus.
