Worthington Area Symphony Orchestra leans into holidays with Nov. 15 concert

Worthington Area Symphony Orchestra Leans into Holidays with Nov. 15 Concert

WORTHINGTON — The Worthington Area Symphony Orchestra is preparing a family-friendly pre-holiday concert titled “Classical Treasures,” scheduled for 7 p.m. on November 15 at the Memorial Auditorium Performing Arts Center. The evening promises a tuneful lead-up to the festive season.

Program Highlights

The concert will feature a blend of classic and seasonal pieces designed to delight audiences of all ages.

Franz von Suppé’s spirited piece “The Light Cavalry Overture.”
Howard Hanson’s “Symphony No. 2, Opus 30 in D-flat Major,” widely known as the “Romantic” symphony.
Mel Tormé’s beloved “The Christmas Song.”
Dan Goeller’s “A Christmas Carol Sing-Along,” a traditional WASO finale.

“We’ll end the concert with a couple of Christmas selections — Mel Tormé’s cherished ‘The Christmas Song,’ and our traditional closer, Dan Goeller’s ‘A Christmas Carol Sing-Along,’” said Kris Stewart, WASO leadership team member and flutist.

“Our first number, ‘The Light Cavalry Overture’ by Austrian composer Franz von Suppé, is an invigorating tune — one that most people will recognize by its sound if not by its name,” Stewart said.

“It’s a short American symphony that’s a little more serious,” conductor Christopher Stanichar said. “It’s Hanson’s most famous symphony. Howard Hanson went on to become a well-known teacher and mentor at Eastman School of Music. He wrote this symphony during the Depression era, and it has a lot of hopefulness to it.”

About the Artists

Kris Stewart and conductor Christopher Stanichar emphasize that the program balances joy, tradition, and depth — an ideal musical bridge into the holiday season.

Author’s summary: The Worthington orchestra presents a spirited mix of classical and holiday favorites, offering audiences a festive evening with timeless melodies and hopeful tones.

Worthington Globe — 2025-11-06