West Michigan Symphony’s “Home for the Holidays” will feature young voices, acclaimed guest baritone, seasonal favorites, and theater organ
MUSKEGON, MI, November 16, 2021— West Michigan Symphony’s “Home for the Holidays” is an annual musical tradition and an outpouring of joy, anticipation, and hope for audience members of all ages. This year’s holiday celebration features baritone Nathaniel Stampley and the West Michigan Symphony Children’s Choir, led by guest conductor Teresa Cheung. Muskegon organist Peter Kurdziel will fire up the 1929 Barton Theater Organ for a rousing prelude. The concert will include music by Mozart, Tchaikovsky, and Vaughan Williams, plus a selection of carols and other sounds of the season. Sponsored by Warner Norcross & Judd, the performance will be held Friday, December 10, 7:30 p.m. at the Frauenthal Center, 425 W. Western Avenue in downtown Muskegon. For tickets, starting at $30 for adults, $10 for students, call 231.727.8001, visit the Frauenthal box office at 425 W. Western Avenue, or purchase online at www.westmichigansymphony.org.
Among other musical selections, the orchestra will perform selections from Tchaikovsky’s beloved Nutcracker, Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on Greensleeves, Mozart’s Sleigh Ride and sparkling sounds of “O Tannenbaum,” “Deck the Halls” and more from the catalog of arranger Carmen Dragon. Baritone Nathaniel Stampley will be featured in “Winter Wonderland,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “White Christmas” and “O Holy Night.” The WMS Children’s Choir will perform “Angels We Have Heard on High” and Pinkzebra’s “Winter with You.” The concert will conclude with the rousing Christmas carol sing-along.
About the Artists
Conductor Teresa Cheung is in frequent demand for symphonic, choral, operatic, and balletic productions throughout the United States, Canada, and Hong Kong. In the spring of 2021, she completed an acclaimed 13-season tenure as Music Director of Pennsylvania’s Altoona Symphony Orchestra. Milwaukee-born baritone Nathaniel Stampley has performed extensively on Broadway, including Cats, Porgy and Bess, The Color Purple, and The Lion King. Stampley is no stranger to Muskegon, having appeared with the Symphony in “Broadway Gentlemen” and a solo performance at The Block in 2016. He has also appeared with the Milwaukee, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and El Paso symphonies, among others; and has performed at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and 92d Street Y. The WMS Children’s Choir is an audition-based choir for children ages 8-13. Beth Slimko, the WMSCC Conductor is currently the director of the North Muskegon Public School choir program and is a vocal music specialist for elementary music.
“Safe Nights at the Symphony” Protocol
In an effort to create the safest environment possible while attending WMS performances, the Symphony’s “Safe Nights” protocol remains in effect for this concert. Patrons of all ages will be asked to provide proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test (taken within 72 hours of the concert) for entry into the Frauenthal Center. All patrons will be required to wear a mask covering their mouth and nose while attending performances. Proof of one vaccine dose at least 2 weeks prior to the performance will be accepted for children ages 5-11. Those under the minimum age for vaccination are welcome with face-covering masks and proof of a negative test. Ticketholders with green “Symphony Safe” wristbands should wear their wristbands for quick entry. If you would like to pre-register your vaccine status and receive a wristband, visit the WMS offices between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
