Heralding the holidays grandly, the Hernando Symphony Orchestra–now celebrating its 41st season—will commence the Sounds of the Season concert series on Saturday, December 16th, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 17th, at 2:00 p.m. Both concerts will be celebrated at St. Frances Cabrini Church, 5030 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill.
“The orchestra’s upcoming Sounds of the Season concert will feature several new pieces,” explained Michele DiLuzio, the Hernando Symphony Orchestra conductor. “Putting together our holiday concert can be challenging as it only involves the traditional Christmas Carols, however, I look for the carols that are done in a non-traditional style.”
Thanks to the creative musical stylings of the Hernando Symphony Orchestra, the tunes performed at the Sounds of the Season concert will take the form of new and exciting spins on time-honored Yuletide classics.
“We have several new pieces this season,” said DiLuzio. “‘Up on the Housetop Down in New Orleans’ is a New Orleans jazz spin on a popular carol. ‘The Good King Swings’ is ‘Good King Wenceslas’ with a swing. ‘A Jingle Bells Fantasy’—this selection starts off very lyrical, then gains excitement. ‘A Cartoon Christmas’ is music from ‘Frosty the Snowman,’ ‘Rudolph’ and ‘Home Alone.’ We will also be playing the festive sounds of Hanukkah and our annual sing-a-long.”
A host of talented guest vocalists will also be featured. “Joining us for this concert series will be a small group of singers who sang with the orchestra at our 2022 July 4th patriotic concert,” said DiLuzio. “Christopher Berke, Jo Mabini Greene, Patrick Cragin and Caitlin Greene will join the orchestra on ‘Believe,’ ‘Do You Hear What I Hear,’ ‘Mary Did You Know,’ ‘Sing We Now of Christmas,’ the annual sing-a-long, and ‘Christmas on Broadway.’ They will also perform an acapella piece, ‘The 12 Days After Christmas.’”
General admission tickets for all 23-24 concerts are available for purchase through
the website (https://www.hernandosymphony.com/ticket-concert-info). Guests may also purchase individual or season tickets in person at the concerts or by calling Frances at 352-584-1210.
“Plan to come early to the December concerts and be treated to a pre-concert holiday
performance from our Hernando Symphony Brass trio,” DiLuzio invited.
In addition to performing a full schedule of festive music, the orchestra also celebrates the introduction of a new member into its esteemed fold.
“Stephanie Gauger joins our fabulous flute section,” said DiLuzio. “It is a pleasure having Stephanie with us.”
In addition, the Hernando Symphony Brass, a popular HSO offshoot, spreads the gift of music throughout the Hernando community.
“The Hernando Symphony Brass is our small group that plays at public events throughout the county and is available for hire for private events,” said DiLuzio.
This group comprises Michele DiLuzio on trumpet/flugelhorn, Greg Nowak on trombone, and Thomas Yagmin on horn/tuba.
“We do a monthly concert at the Nature Coast Botanical Gardens located on Parker Ave. in Spring Hill,” said DiLuzio. “Additionally, this group now plays monthly at the Caffe Connections on Mariner Blvd. We will also play at Deltona Elementary School’s Fall Festival on December 19 from 5-7 p.m.”
The orchestra always seeks musicians to join its talented and melodic musical ensembles. If you or someone you know plays a string, brass, woodwind or percussion instrument, please email conductor DiLuzio at [email protected].
