Rehearsals are officially in full swing for the Christmas Magic concert, the first concert of our 2026/27 season. 

​Under the guidance of Musical Director River Edis-Smith and Leader Hannah Thompson-Smith, the orchestra is hard at work bringing a vibrant blend of seasonal warmth, classic ballet, cinematic thrills, and festive fanfare to the stage.

​Here is a glimpse into what the orchestra has been polishing in rehearsals:

• ​Festive Favorites & Overtures: Nigel Hess’s Christmas Overture and Leroy Anderson’s lively Christmas Festival with bright, brassy holiday energy, weaving classic carols into sweeping orchestral arrangements.
• ​Cinematic Magic & Suspense: From the snowy, magical journey of Alan Silvestri’s Polar Express Suite to John Powell’s thrilling and heroic scores for How to Train Your Dragon, the ensemble is building incredible dramatic contrast. Adding an extra spark of excitement to the evening is John Barry’s suave, high-energy James Bond Suite.
• ​Winter Classics & Ballet: The rehearsal hall has been filled with the delicate magic of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker selection, alongside winter-themed masterworks including Prokofiev’s brisk, troika-rhythm Troika and the joyful, bell-tinkling Sleigh Rides by Delius and Anderson.
• ​Audience Singalong:  Musicians and the audience will be invited to join together for a celebratory holiday singalong to get everyone into the spirit of the season