Waltzes and classic Christmas songs set the holiday mood at El Paso Symphony Orchestra’s December concert

Leah Romero

EL PASO - Audiences were immediately transported to the Austria of yesteryear with a selection of waltzes by Austrian composer Johann Strauss Jr. His Fledermaus: Overture set the scene of a lively party in the mid-1800s. I could just picture the dance floor filled with elegantly dressed people dancing the night away.

The projections of images from Austria on the back of the hall were a nice touch too. The waltzes continued with Strauss’ On the Beautiful Blue Danube — my personal favorite — and Voices of Spring, making me wish I knew how to waltz.

The El Paso Choral Union joined the symphony on stage for this concert for Gustav Holst’s Christmas Day, filling the theatre with gorgeous chords. The choir also sang a beautiful rendition of Night of Silence/Silent Night.

Leroy Anderson’s Sleigh Ride can be overplayed this time of year, but luckily it’s one of my favorites. The El Paso Symphony Orchestra made it extra special last night with the use of a real whip rather than a slapstick, which is what you typically see. It was a surprise to see the percussionist wield his instrument.

And that was all before intermission!

Singer Candice Reyes, an accomplished vocalist originally from El Paso, served as host for the evening, adding the warmth of personal memories and feelings for the season. She lent her vocals to It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas and many popular Christmas tunes, especially in the second half of the program.

Reyes intertwined her exceptional jazz vocals within the holiday standards, even tossing in a performance of George Gershwin’s ‘S Wonderful because, as she said, jazz and holiday music just fit together.

The concert came to an end with Anderson’s A Christmas Festival Overture, featuring the symphony, choir, Reyes and the audience. Everyone was encouraged to sing along to the medley of holiday songs, which left audience members walking away with a smile on their faces.

It was a lovely concert and just in time to get people in the mood for the rest of the holiday season.

Leah Romero is a freelance writer based in southern New Mexico. She can be reached at www.LeahRRomero.com.