This December, two community-favorite concerts return to Punta Gorda Symphony’s programming: Woodwinds in the Gardens at Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens on Dec. 5, and Holiday Pops at the Charlotte Performing Arts Center on Dec. 19.
After four successful outdoor concerts last season, Punta Gorda Symphony resumes its Outdoor Chamber Series on Dec. 5 at 1 and 4 p.m., featuring a woodwind quintet of flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, and horn at the Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens. Attendees will have the option to purchase wine and beverages at the Gardens and enjoy discounted entry to the complete Gardens experience.
“Last year’s gardens concert featuring our String Trio was extremely popular,” says executive director Craig Badinger. “Our guests were thrilled to experience live music outdoors in this gorgeous garden. Nothing beats this trifecta: beautiful music with good friends in an idyllic setting!”
Expect everything from selections of Broadway’s epic musical comedy Fiddler on the Roof to the rich Cuban-classical sounds of Aires Tropicales (Tropical Air) by Paquito D’Rivera. Audiences will also get a taste of the holidays with selections from Tchaikovsky’s beloved Nutcracker Suite, including the alluring Arabian Dance, the delightful Waltz of the Flowers, and more.
Woodwinds in the Garden
Holiday Pops is a festive tradition featuring orchestral renditions of favorite holiday songs that’s perfect for the whole family. Audiences will experience the brilliance and power of Punta Gorda Symphony’s resounding program of seasonal ballads, carols, and more. Whether excited by the jazzy rendition of Mel Torme’s “The Christmas Song,” the glory of the Baroque folk tune “Greensleeves,” or the nostalgic delight in the familiar themes of Hollywood’s well-loved Christmas movie The Polar Express, Holiday Pops will reign in the season on a high note.
“Everyone looks forward to this time of year,” says Maestro Raffaele Livio Ponti, “and our program presents a variety of music that will please young and old, no matter what traditions they grew up celebrating. We want to create a special evening that brings all families together.”
The Holiday Pops will be performed at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Dec. 19.
There will be several opportunities to enrich the holiday concert experience in the days leading up to the performance. Symphony Friends, Punta Gorda Symphony’s volunteer affiliate group, will host Composers Luncheon on Dec. 9 featuring principal violist Rachel Cox, local pianist Judy Kaff, and holiday festivities for this monthly “lunch, listen and learn” event.
Concert goers are invited to gain a fresh appreciation for the holiday tunes at Maestro Ponti’s monthly Behind the Notes program on Friday, Dec. 17, or attend the interview-style pre-concert Talk one hour before showtime on Dec. 19. Pre-concert talk is free and available to Holiday Pops concert ticket holders only
For more information and ticketing, visit www.PGSymphony.org, or call 941-205-5996.
