West Virginia Symphony Orchestra presents Holiday Favorite Sounds of the Season Dec. 3-5

CHARLESTON, W.VA. (11/23/21) - The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra (WVSO) presents its celebrated holiday favorite, Sounds of the Season, on Dec. 3, 4, and 5 in select venues across the state.

Guest Conductor and Parkersburg native Luke Frazier will lead the WVSO in a festive holiday show, featuring classic selections like “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “Deck the Halls,” “Silent Night,” and “The Christmas Song.” The innovative holiday show showcases the WVSO with impressive vocal numbers, dance performances, and an appearance from Father Christmas himself.

In addition to the classics, this year’s show brings several talented guest vocalists and dancers to the stage along with the WVSO Chorus, the WV State University Chorus, and the Symphony Chorus of Parkersburg. Guest artists include popular Broadway and Opera stars Nova Payton, Luke Hawkins, and Deepa Johnny; a past contestant of the television show The Voice, Rayshun LaMarr; and violinist Regino Madrid.

“The WVSO is thrilled to welcome Luke Frazier to lead us for this year’s Sounds of the Season performances,” said President Joe Tackett. “He brings a fun, new perspective to our holiday show, and we always look forward to working with West Virginia-born artists like Mr. Frazier.”

The ZMM Architects and Engineers Pops Series concert on Saturday, Dec. 4 is made possible by the generous support of the ZMM Architects and Engineers, Truist, and the WV Lottery. Tickets for the Charleston concert start at $19 and are available at wvsymphony.org, by visiting the Clay Center Box Office, or by calling 304.561.3570.

In addition to the Charleston performances, the WVSO will perform Sounds of the Season at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 3 at Carnegie Hall in Lewisburg. Support for the Carnegie performance with support from the James F.B. Payton Fund. Tickets for the concert start at $37 and are available at carnegiehallwv.org, at the door, or by calling 304.645.7917.

The WVSO will also perform Sounds of the Season at Blennerhassett School in Parkersburg beginning at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 5. Hosted by the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra of Parkersburg, tickets for the concert start at $25 for adults or $10 for students and are available at wvsop.org, at the door, or by calling 888.699.8767 (MYWVSOP).

The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra is West Virginia’s premier performing arts organization, presenting classical and pops concerts annually throughout the Mountain State. Currently in its 83rd season, the WVSO is a proud member of the community and enriches the region by providing affordable, high-quality concerts, collaborations with West Virginia arts organizations and a nationally award-winning education program.

Luke Frazier Bio

Luke Frazier believes that the future of orchestral music is breaking down barriers between orchestras and audiences. The most important priority for a modern conductor is not only musical excellence, but also creating diverse and engaging programming that brings communities together through the joy of music. Conductors are a bridge between audiences and orchestras and the responsibility that comes with that is something Luke takes to heart every day. 

Luke started The American Pops Orchestra in 2015 to present a broad array of popular and classical music in innovative ways to bring new audiences into the orchestral world. Most recently APO has been featured in more than twelve national broadcasts on PBS with programs ranging from American Roots to a complete re-imagining of the musical WICKED. Artists like Midori, Patti Labelle, Joshua Bell, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Josh Groban and so many more have joined the orchestra sharing orchestral music with audiences across the country, completely free of charge.

Creating opportunities for the next generation of music makers and music lovers is always a priority for Luke. Each year Luke spends at least three weeks hosting free elementary school tours as well as finding outstanding college vocalists through APO’s NextGen Vocal Competition. In addition to these special programs, Luke also maintains a busy schedule as a clinician, speaker and panelist for educational organizations across the country.

In addition to Luke’s work with APO and PBS, he maintains a busy schedule as a guest conductor and pianist. Luke is excited to serve as the inaugural Principal Pops Conductor for The National Philharmonic. This season includes appearances in venues from Lincoln Center to The Smithsonian, Feinstein’s/54 Below to The Kravis Center and many more across the country conducting classical and popular music alike. 

Luke is fortunate to call many of the world’s most incredible artists both friends and collaborators. Renée Fleming, Chita Rivera, Harry Connick Jr., Wynton Marsalis, Michael Feinstein, Leslie Jordan, Sandi Patty, Kristin Chenoweth, Jamie Barton, Paulo Szot, Vanessa Williams, Laura Osnes, Jacqueline Schwab, Arturo Sandoval, Rita Moreno and so many more have joined Luke onstage and on film for original programs of all varieties.

To learn more about Luke check out: www.LukeFrazierMusic.com or @lukefraziermusic.

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