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Transport yourself to a bygone era with the Orchestra of the International Center for Music at Park University (Park ICM) for the second year of their sensational sellout holiday concert.
This captivating evening offers a chance to experience the magic of music that spans over 700 years. Join in on Saturday, December 2, at 7:30 p.m., in the Graham Tyler Memorial Chapel overlooking the Missouri River on the Park University campus.
The best part? This concert is your FREE ticket to an evening of holiday magic – just make sure to snag a reservation!
“We’re thrilled to be offering this Christmas concert for the second year,” says Lisa Hickok, executive director of Park ICM. “The evening will provide a delightful escape from the usual holiday routine. It’s a unique opportunity to unwind and immerse yourself in the enchanting sounds of centuries past, a true celebration of the spirit of the season.”
At the heart of the Orchestra at Park ICM are the talented students and faculty, showcasing the ageless beauty of cello, piano, viola, and violin as taught in the classical European maestro-student tradition. Together with other accomplished Kansas City musicians, they create a harmonious symphony that will whisk you away to a different time.
Dr. Steven McDonald, orchestra director, has meticulously curated a program that’s a testament to the rich musical heritage of the past. Prepare to be captivated by a collection of classics that are both well-loved and hidden gems, offering a unique contrast to other holiday musical offerings.
Some highlights include the English Renaissance tune Greensleeves, best known in America as the song What Child Is This? Modern British composer Ralph Vaughn Williams’ Fantasia on Greensleeves alternates between major and minor keys, creating a mood of wonder and mystery.
Skater’s Waltz by French composer Emil Waldteuffel evokes an afternoon’s skate on a chilly winter day. Alessandro Scarlatti’s Christmas Cantata references the Sicilian shepherd’s dance, whose rhythm mimics the rocking of a cradle. You can imagine New Year’s Day in Vienna with polkas, waltzes, and overtures composed by members of the Johann Strauss family circle.
German Baroque composer Georg Philipp Telemann’s Concerto for 3 Trumpets is just as rousing as it sounds.
The harp solo Intermezzo or interlude from modern British composer Benjamin Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols was written in 1942 on a sea voyage from America to England during World War II. It reminds us of the calm within any storm, the angelic bliss we sometimes glimpse—or, on occasion, hear.
No holiday concert would be complete without a heartwarming carol sing-along. Raise your voice and enjoy a chorus or two of traditional holiday tunes. Then, if you’re in the mood, conclude your evening with a leisurely stroll through the annual Parkville Christmas Walk, where you can immerse yourself in the town’s irresistible holiday charm. The inviting restaurants of Parkville are standing by to delight your taste buds before the concert.
So, don’t miss this exceptional celebration of timeless music that spans centuries, and do it all for FREE! Secure your spot now at https://icm.park.edu/park-icm-orchestra-presents-holiday-concert/.