The Strathcona Symphony Orchestra (SSO) will be performing its opening concert of the 2017-18 season at the Native Sons Hall during the weekend of Dec. 16-17.

Billed as a festive concert, Symphony No毛l will capture the magic and musical excitement associated with the holiday season. Christmas favourites such as the Nutcracker by Tchaikovsky, Skaters Waltz by Waldteufel, Christmas Carol by Silvestri, and traditional carols including Greensleeves and Silent Night will delight concert goers of all ages.

This gala event will feature the combined forces of the Strathcona Symphony Orchestra with special guests, the well-known Comox Valley Celebration Singers.

Dr. James Montgomery, artistic director and conductor of the SSO, and Jennifer Forsland, conductor of the Celebration Singers, have been working hard during the fall months to prepare the 175-plus musicians for this unique Comox Valley performance.

Audience members will have the opportunity to join in the music-making during the Saturday night (7 p.m.) and Sunday (2 p.m.) concerts with a special Christmas carol sing-a-long.

Concert-goers will also be invited to participate in the singing of the beloved Hallelujah chorus from the popular Messiah by Handel. Just imagine how the rafters of the Native Sons Hall will ring in the spirit of the season with the combined musical energies of a 100-member choir, full symphony orchestra, and a large enthusiastic audience. This is an event you do not want to miss!

Tickets for this special concert are available for purchase from The House of Colour in Courtenay and Blue Heron Books in Comox.

Season tickets for the entire Strathcona Symphony Orchestra 2017-18 season including concerts on March 10-11 and June 2-3 will also be available for purchase at these two locations.