ORLANDO — Tradition is a key word this time of year, when November starts getting filled up with special events that have been held around this time for decades, meant to usher area residents and visitors into the Christmas spirit.
The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra will be doing just that on Saturday, Nov. 26, when they once again hold their annual concert to bring audiences Home for the Holidays.

The OPO’s annual holiday extravaganza, held this year for the first time at Steinmetz Hall, is a local favorite, and tickets are on sale now.

What is OPO’s Home For The Holidays Concert?

Home For The Holidays is OPO’s ode to the Christmas season, a concert that has traditionally featured holiday favorites (“Jingle Bells,” “O, Holy Night”), new songs (“Cradle Hymn” by Kim Andre Arneson) and beloved classical perennials. The OPO’s former conductor, Albert George Schram, once told the audience at the Bob Carr Theater at the start of the program,”Sit back, and let us touch your heart.”

This year, the Orlando Philharmonic is promising more of the same. Mauricio Céspedes Rivero will be this year’s conductor.

“Experience the joyful sounds of the season for the first time ever in Steinmetz Hall,” the OPO noted in a news release about the concert.

This year’s lineup will include the Holiday Singers, the Opera Orlando Youth Company, vocal soloists Katie Pinder Brown, Brandon Martin and other special guests.

“It’s the perfect way to kick off the holiday season,” OPO noted.

There will be two concerts times on Nov. 26 at 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

What Can You Expect At Home For The Holidays?

“One of the nice things about finding music for the holiday concert is they have some very good composers,” Schram once told audiences at the Bob Carr during a pre-talk before the show. “Some of them over the years have been my friends and acquaintances.”
This year, $10 tickets will be available for students, educators, and first responders. Purchase the tickets online and bring your valid ID to the concert.

Steinmetz Hall is at the Dr. Phillips Center For The Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave. in downtown Orlando. To learn more about the Home For The Holidays concert or other OPO programs, call 407-896-6700 or email info@orlandophil.org.

Michael Freeman is an Orlando journalist, playwright, and author of the book A Christmas Eve Story. Contact him at Freelineorlando@gmail.com.