The Hernando Symphony, along with a soprano and a bell choir, will present a Christmas concert ranging from classical to pop to avant-garde.
By JOY DAVIS-PLATT
Published November 28, 2003
The Hernando Symphony Orchestra will share the stage with a bell choir and a soprano soloist for a holiday celebration that conductor Wayne Raymond says has "something for everyone."
"I didn't put anything in that isn't holiday related," said Raymond, who will welcome soprano Karen Romine and the Bells of St. Frances for the orchestra's three performances. "But there is an amazing amount of variety within that."
Winter classics, such as Sleigh Ride and selections from The Nutcracker, are on the bill for the orchestra's holiday concert series, "Seasonal Sentiments," along with more avant-garde pieces such as A Rhapsody on Christmas Carols.
"That one's a little further out," Raymond said. "But there's plenty of the more traditional stuff as well."
Romine, the chorus teacher at West Hernando Middle School, will perform one of the most traditional of holiday pieces, Ave Maria, as well as Gesu Bambino.
"I had heard her singing for the kids," said Raymond, who also teaches music at the school, "and she just blew me away."
A Brooksville native, Romine graduated with a degree in vocal performance from Samford University in Birmingham, Ala., and has appeared as a soloist with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra.
The Bells of St. Frances, from St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church in Spring Hill, will perform Leroy Anderson's Christmas Festival, a song made famous by the Boston Pops, along with the orchestra. On their own, the Bells will perform Christmas Song and Calypso Christmas.
Although the 11-member group plays year-round, the sound of bells seems to resonate with audiences particularly during the holiday season, said group director Michele DiLuzio, who also plays trumpet in the orchestra and is the orchestra's assistant conductor.
"Sometimes I think we need a booking agent just for the Christmas season," said DiLuzio, who started the bell choir in 1994. "There's just something about the bells that reminds people of the holidays."
- Joy Davis-Platt can be reached at 352 848-1435. Send e-mail to joy@sptimes.com
At a glance
WHAT: "Seasonal Sentiments," the holiday concert series of the Hernando Symphony Orchestra. Guest performances by soprano Karen Romine and the Bells of St. Frances.
WHEN/WHERE: 2 p.m. Sunday and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2 at Springstead Theatre, 3300 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Hernando High School Performing Arts Center, 700 Bell Ave., Brooksville.
