'TIS THE SEASON FOR MUSIC: SEATTLE SYMPHONY CONCERTS BRING HOLIDAY CHEER TO ALL
PERFORMANCES INCLUDE LESLIE ODOM, JR.: THE CHRISTMAS TOUR, THE SNOWMAN, TINY TOTS, HOLIDAY POPS, HOME ALONE IN CONCERT, HANDEL’S MESSIAH, THE NEW YEAR’S EVE CONCERT & PARTY: DISCO FEVER AND MORE
Seattle, WA – Embrace the magic of the holidays and join the Seattle Symphony at Benaroya Hall for a joyful array of concerts designed to delight audiences of all ages. This season, experience beloved holiday traditions and seasonal favorites, including the annual Family Concert presentation of The Snowman accompanied live by the Symphony, Tiny Tots, Holiday Pops, Handel’s Messiah and A Festival of Lessons and Carols.
For the cherished tradition of Handel’s Messiah, the Symphony will be joined by the Seattle Symphony Chorale and an all-star cast of guest soloists: soprano Yulia Van Doren, mezzo-soprano Kayleigh Decker, tenor Omar Najmi and bass-baritone Daniel Okulitch.
The holiday cheer continues with more festive concerts, from Tony Award®-winning singer Leslie Odom, Jr.: The Christmas Tour and Home Alone in Concert with the Seattle Symphony to Canadian Brass: Making Spirits Bright, featuring Seattle Symphony’s brass section. And as we ring in 2025, don’t miss the New Year’s Eve Concert & Party: Disco Fever! Join vocalists Maiya Sykes, B.Slade and conductor Enrico Lopez-Yañez for a boogie wonderland at Benaroya Hall.
Holiday Concerts
December 3: Tony Award®-winning singer Leslie Odom, Jr. performs selections from both of his holiday albums (2016’s Simply Christmas and 2020’s The Christmas Album) with the Seattle Symphony in a special one-night-only event, Leslie Odom, Jr.: The Christmas Tour.
December 6 & 7: Make memories together as the percussion family plays classic sing-alongs and your favorite holiday music. The Percussion: Jingle Bell Bash is perfect for families with children from birth to 5 years of age. Engage your youngest music lovers with these 35-minute interactive programs featuring musical games, stories and songs. Pre-concert activities include crafts, percussion play, a xylophone orchestra and reading station, and begin 30 minutes before each concert in the Samuel & Althea Stroum Grand Lobby.
December 6–8: Powerhouse pianist and multi-hyphenate star Chloe Flower joins the orchestra for Holiday Pops. This dazzling program full of yuletide cheer will include select songs from Flower’s 2023 holiday album, Chloe Hearts Christmas, along with some festive surprises. Flower’s self-described “popsical” style bridges the gap between classical and pop, offering a fresh and exciting take on all of the joyful sounds of the holiday season.
December 11: Canadian Brass joins forces with members of the Seattle Symphony’s brass section for a special holiday performance, Canadian Brass: Making Spirits Bright. The ensemble’s concerts feature everything from trademark Baroque and Dixieland tunes to new compositions and arrangements created especially for them — formal classical presentations, music served up with lively dialogue and theatrical effects, and more. For this concert, Canadian Brass will perform tunes from its vast repertoire of holiday music, which includes more than a dozen albums.
December 13–15: Pairing a true holiday film favorite with live orchestra, Home Alone in Concert with the Seattle Symphony brings renowned composer John Williams’ delightful score to life on the Benaroya Hall stage. Hilarious and heartwarming, Home Alone offers holiday fun for the whole family!
December 14: A family tradition! Celebrate the holidays with your family and the classic children’s film The Snowman. A young boy builds a snowman that comes to life and takes him on an adventure to the North Pole. This festive concert also features other holiday favorites (like “Jingle Bells” and “Carol of the Bells”) as well as some youthful guest performers: violinist Lin Tokura (a 2024/2025 Young Artist performing Winter from Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons), boy soprano Ethan Ibsen and the Northwest Boychoir, Apprentices.
December 19–22: An unparalleled December tradition, Handel’s Messiah returns, this year featuring conductor Aram Demirjian. Showcasing exquisite choral writing and the exultant “Hallelujah” chorus, an acclaimed cast of soloists and the Seattle Symphony Chorale join the orchestra in honoring one of Handel’s greatest works.
December 23: In A Festival of Lessons and Carols, the Northwest Boychoir presents the story of the Nativity told through reading, choral setting and audience sing-alongs.
December 31: The holiday programs finish with the biggest blowout of the month, the New Year's Eve Concert & Party: Disco Fever. Vocalists Maiya Sykes and B.Slade join conductor Enrico Lopez-Yanez and the Seattle Symphony for a boogie wonderland at Benaroya Hall. Take a groovy trip down memory lane with non-stop hits including “That’s the Way (I Like It),” “It's Raining Men,” “I Will Survive” and more! Directly following the concert, enjoy a party with dancing, champagne and revelry with DJ Snap Dragon in the Samuel & Althea Stroum Grand Lobby as we count down to midnight and celebrate the start of a new year.
Ticket Information
For more information on tickets, visit seattlesymphony.org or contact the Seattle Symphony Ticket Office. The Seattle Symphony Ticket Office is located in Benaroya Hall, at Third Avenue and Union Street. The Ticket Office can be reached by phone at 206.215.4747 during the following times: Tuesday–Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
SUNNY XIA | CONDUCTOR
Recognized for her innate musicality, compelling presence and technical precision, conductor Sunny Xuecong Xia’s ability to forge an immediate and captivating connection with orchestras and audiences alike has led to engagements around the globe. Xia began her position as the Assistant Conductor of the Seattle Symphony in September 2022 and has served as the Douglas F. King Associate Conductor since the start of the 2023/2024 season. Recent highlights include the world premiere of Composer-in-Residence, Angelique Poteat’s Dear Humanity for Youth Chorus and Orchestra, a work that harnesses the power of 50 voices and full orchestra to confront climate change. A dynamic advocate for contemporary music, Xia has additionally led the Seattle Symphony in works by Samuel Adams, Quinn Mason, Gabriela Ortiz, Gabriella Smith, Jerod Impichchaachaaha' Tate and Tan Dun, among others. Recent and upcoming engagements include the San Diego Symphony, Phoenix Symphony, Tucson Symphony, Olympia Symphony and Chandler Opera Theater.
ANTHONY PARNTHER | CONDUCTOR
American conductor Anthony Parnther is in his fifth season as Music Director of California’s San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra. As conductor of the Gateways Music Festival Orchestra, Parnther led its sold-out Carnegie Hall debut, showcasing the world premiere of I Can by five-time Grammy-winner Jon Batiste. A master of multiple genres, Parnther has conducted many of the world’s preeminent artists, from Joshua Bell and Frederica von Stade to Imagine Dragons, John Legend, Wu-Tang Clan and Rihanna. Season highlights include guest appearances with the New York Philharmonic, Nashville Symphony, the Cincinnati, Vancouver, Indianapolis and St. Louis symphony orchestras and Chineke! Orchestra, with which Parnther recently made his BBC Proms debut. Other recent engagements include collaborations with the Atlanta Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, Buffalo Philharmonic, Calgary Philharmonic, Detroit Symphony, Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, Los Angeles Opera, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Music Academy, National Symphony Orchestra, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Philadelphia Orchestra, Rochester Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony and the Sydney Symphony.
ARAM DEMIRJIAN | CONDUCTOR
Recipient of the Sir Georg Solti Conducting Award from The Solti Foundation U.S., conductor Aram Demirjian is widely acclaimed for his transformative work as the eighth Music Director of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra. Upcoming are a KSO-commissioned concerto for West African drums and orchestra by Derrick Skye, featuring the Knoxville-based drum ensemble Indigenous Vibes; Mendelssohn’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream featuring Appalachian Ballet Company; participation in the League of American Orchestra’s Toulmin Orchestral Commissions Program; and large-scale works including Mahler's Fifth Symphony and Carmina burana. Guest conducting engagements include debuts with the Seattle Symphony, Utah Symphony on the Deer Valley Music Festival, and subscription debuts with The Florida Orchestra, Rhode Island Philharmonic and Billings Symphony. Demirjian holds a joint B.A. in Music and Government from Harvard, and a M.M. in Orchestral Conducting from New England Conservatory.
JACOB WINKLER | CONDUCTOR
Jacob Winkler grew up singing in the Northwest Boychoir and Vocalpoint! Seattle. He holds a master’s degree in conducting from the University of Washington and has sung on dozens of soundtracks for film and video games. Winkler teaches music notation software, orchestration and conducting at the Pacific Northwest Film Scoring Program, and from 2009 to 2022, he served as Artistic Director of the Seattle Girls Choir. In 2022, he returned to his roots when he assumed the role of Music Director of the Northwest Boychoir and Vocalpoint! Seattle.
ENRICO LOPEZ-YAÑEZ | CONDUCTOR
Enrico Lopez-Yañez is the Principal Pops Conductor of the Detroit, Nashville and Pacific symphonies as well as the Principal Conductor of DSO Presents. Lopez-Yañez has established himself as one of the nation’s leading popular music conductors and become known for his unique style of audience engagement. Also an active composer/arranger, he has been commissioned by the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Houston Symphony, San Diego Symphony and Omaha Symphony, and has had his works performed by orchestras including the Atlanta Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, National Symphony, Phoenix Symphony and Utah Symphony, among others. This season, Lopez-Yañez collaborates with Dolly Parton, Bernadette Peters, Lyle Lovett, Ben Folds, Indigo Girls, Joss Stone, Lettuce and more. He appears with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Toronto Symphony and St. Louis Symphony as well as making return appearances with the Baltimore Symphony, Houston Symphony, Indianapolis Symphony, National Symphony, Seattle Symphony, Utah Symphony and others.
SEATTLE SYMPHONY CHORALE
Over nearly five decades, the Seattle Symphony Chorale has grown in artistry and stature, establishing itself as a highly respected ensemble. Critics have described the Chorale’s work as “beautiful, prayerful, expressive,” “superb” and “robust,” and have praised it for its “impressive clarity and precision.” The Chorale’s 120 volunteer members, who are teachers, doctors, attorneys, musicians, students, bankers and professionals from all fields, bring not only musical excellence, but a sheer love of music and performance to their endeavor. Directed by Joseph Crnko, Associate Conductor for Choral Activities, the Chorale performs with the Seattle Symphony both onstage and in recorded performances.
SEATTLE SYMPHONY
The Seattle Symphony unleashes the power of music, brings people together and lifts the human spirit. Recognized as one of the “most vital American orchestras” (NPR), the Seattle Symphony is internationally acclaimed for its inventive programming, community-minded initiatives and superb recordings on the Seattle Symphony Media label. With a strong commitment to new music and a legacy of over 150 recordings, the orchestra has won five Grammy Awards, 27 Grammy nominations, two Emmy Awards and was named Gramophone’s 2018 Orchestra of the Year. The Symphony performs in Benaroya Hall in the heart of downtown Seattle from September through July, reaching over 750,000 people annually through live performances and radio broadcasts, and through the Seattle Symphony+ streaming service, the orchestra’s concerts reach audiences at home and around the world.
BENAROYA HALL
Benaroya Hall, the home of the Seattle Symphony, is located in downtown Seattle and surrounded by numerous restaurants, retail stores and parking facilities. Opened in 1998, Benaroya Hall is the most-visited performing arts venue in Seattle. It has received numerous awards, including a 2001 American Institute of Architects (AIA) National Honor Award for outstanding architecture. Benaroya Hall has three versatile performance venues, the S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium, the Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall and Octave 9: Raisbeck Music Center, all renowned for their pristine acoustics, luxurious design and prime location. For additional information, including rental information, event listings and public tour schedules, please visit benaroyahall.org.
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LESLIE ODOM, JR.: THE CHRISTMAS TOUR
HOLIDAY SPECIALS
Tuesday, December 3, at 7:30 p.m.
Anthony Parnther conductor
Leslie Odom, Jr. vocals
Seattle Symphony
Leslie Odom, Jr.’s performance is generously sponsored by the James D. and Sherry Raisbeck Foundation.
THE PERCUSSION: JINGLE BELL BASH
TINY TOTS SERIES
Friday, December 6, at 10:30 a.m.
Saturday, December 7, at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. & 11:30 a.m.
John Turman host
Seattle Symphony percussion quartet
The Arakawa Foundation proudly supports the Seattle Symphony’s Community Partnerships for Youth and Education. Additional support is provided by Delta Air Lines.
The Seattle Symphony’s Family, School & Community programs are supported by 4Culture, Marco Argenti, ArtsFund, the Merriman-Ross Family, the National Endowment for the Arts, and individual contributions to the Seattle Symphony Annual Fund.
HOLIDAY POPS
SEATTLE POPS SERIES
Friday, December 6, at 8 p.m.
Saturday, December 7, at 8 p.m.
Sunday, December 8, at 2 p.m.
Anthony Parnther conductor
Chloe Flower piano
Seattle Symphony
2024/2025 Seattle Pops Series Sponsor: The John & Ginny Meisenbach Foundation
CANADIAN BRASS: MAKING SPIRITS BRIGHT
HOLIDAY SPECIALS
Wednesday, December 11, at 7:30 p.m.
Canadian Brass
Seattle Symphony brass musicians
HOME ALONE IN CONCERT WITH THE SEATTLE SYMPHONY
HOLIDAY SPECIALS
Friday, December 13, at 8 p.m.
Saturday, December 14, at 8 p.m.
Sunday, December 15, at 2 p.m.
Sunny Xia conductor
Seattle Choral Company
Seattle Symphony
Sunny Xia’s position is generously underwritten as the Douglas F. King Associate Conductor.
THE SNOWMAN
FAMILY CONCERTS SERIES
Saturday, December 14, at 11 a.m.
Sunny Xia conductor
Lin Tokura violin – 2024/2025 Young Artist
Ethan Ibsen boy soprano
Northwest Boychoir, Apprentices
Seattle Symphony
Quinn Mason Christmas Eve Festivities
Antonio Vivaldi Winter from The Four Seasons
James Pierpont “Jingle Bells”
Mykola Leontovych "Carol of the Bells"
Eddie Wyle & George Pola It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Traditional (Christmas) “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”
Howard Blake The Snowman
Leroy Anderson Sleigh Ride
Sunny Xia’s position is generously underwritten as the Douglas F. King Associate Conductor.
The Arakawa Foundation proudly supports the Seattle Symphony’s Community Partnerships for Youth and Education. Additional support is provided by Delta Air Lines.
The Seattle Symphony’s Family, School & Community programs are supported by 4Culture, Marco Argenti, ArtsFund, the Merriman-Ross Family, the National Endowment for the Arts, and individual contributions to the Seattle Symphony Annual Fund.
HANDEL MESSIAH
HOLIDAY SPECIALS
Thursday, December 19, at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, December 20, at 8 p.m.
Saturday, December 21, at 8 p.m.
Sunday, December 22, at 2 p.m.
Aram Demirjian conductor
Yulia Van Doren soprano
Kayleigh Decker mezzo-soprano
Omar Najmi tenor
Daniel Okulitch bass-baritone
Seattle Symphony Chorale
Seattle Symphony
George Frideric Handel Messiah
Handel’s Messiah is generously sponsored by Stephen Whyte in memory of Gwendolyn Jones Whyte.
A FESTIVAL OF LESSONS AND CAROLS
HOLIDAY SPECIALS
Monday, December 23, at 7:30 p.m.
Jacob Winkler conductor
Northwest Boychoir
Vocalpoint! Seattle
Northwest Sinfonia
NEW YEAR'S EVE CONCERT & PARTY: DISCO FEVER
HOLIDAY SPECIALS
Tuesday, December 31, at 9 p.m.
Enrico Lopez-Yañez conductor
Maiya Sykes vocals
B.Slade vocals
Seattle Symphony