A wonderful holiday music concert was performed by the incomparable Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra November 30th to a packed house in the Newark High School auditorium delighting concert-goers at the beginning of this holiday season.
It was made possible, once again, through the collaboration of the Newark School District and the Greater Newark Chamber of Commerce, that teamed up to bring the RPO to Newark for the 18th consecutive year, which Cynthia Briggs, NCSD Music Department Leader and Kelley School instrumental music teacher gratefully acknowledged.
“I would be remiss in not acknowledging the many hands that help make this performance possible, including the generosity to the Newark community, Chamber of Commerce, Wegmans and Lyons National Bank,” she said. “There are too many people to name and thank individually, but I would like to say ‘thank you” to everyone who has contributed to putting this event together so that we can all enjoy this magical evening.”
Conductor, arranger, pianist, and actor, Richard Carsey, who is currently a conductor for the longest-running musical in history, “The Phantom Of The Opera” on Broadway, as well as the 2018 revival of “Carousel” did an outstanding job for the second year in a row as the guest conductor.
His engaging narratives leading into each selection were refreshing, including his explanation as to why the orchestra would be performing selections from “The King and I”, not your typical holiday concert fare.
He fondly recalled a life-changing experience of being cast in the show, his first experience with musical theater, at the age of 9 around Christmas time.
Equally delightful were soprano Tricia Tanguy’s nine solo performances: “I Saw Three Ships,” “Hot Santa,” “Timeless Treasures,” “Let It Go,” “Winter Wonderland,” “White Christmas,” “I Wonder as I Wander,” “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming,” and “Let It Snow.”
Tanguy, who in January will be on the North American tour of the Broadway revival of “Cats” and was the understudy for all 4 women in both the original Off-Broadway company and the currently running revival of “The Marvelous Wonderettes.” also led the audience in the upbeat holiday sing-along.
Before the concert, the NHS Jazz Ensemble and “Downbeat” performed pre-concert music in the gymnasium.
“WOW, what a great night in the Newark High School auditorium with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra,” Briggs said December 3rd. “Another incredible performance that was made possible by so many people. We are so fortunate to have a community that works with the school district to bring the RPO to Wayne County every year. I have to say thank you to everyone that had a hand in organizing and working on every aspect of the night. Without them it wouldn’t be possible!”
The RPO is tentatively slated to perform December 6th, 2019 in the NHS auditorium.
Briggs encouraged everyone to save that date and mark their calendars!
