There may not be quite 12 drummers drumming onstage, but there will still be plenty of holiday cheer, as the Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra (HSO) presents its rescheduled “Joy!” concert on Saturday, Jan. 6, 2018 at 3 p.m. (one performance only) at the Blue Ridge Community College’s Concert Hall. Carolina Village is sponsor of the performance.  

Canceled because of the unexpected heavy snowfall on Dec. 9, the HSO has worked tirelessly to reschedule this much beloved concert that is part of their regular season. Tickets are only available by calling the HSO at 828-697-5884. New ticket purchases are NOT available online for this concert. Original tickets to the Dec. 9 performance will not be valid for admission to the performance. All previous ticket holder must be re-ticketed and need to call the HSO office promptly for futher instructions. 

“Joy!” is the third concert in the HSO’s 2017-2018, and is always a favorite amongst holiday cultural events in Henderson County and the entire region. The concert repertoire is a delightful blend of classical offerings balanced with well-known carols. The second half of the concert features excerpts from Acts I and II from Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker Ballet, Op. 71.” 

Guest artist joining the Symphony is soprano Alison Trainer, assistant professor of voice at Furman University in Greenville. She will perform Mozart’s “Exultate, Jubilate, K. 165 for Soprano and Orchestra.”  

As always, it isn’t a holiday Hendersonville Symphony concert without audience participation, and a medley of well-known Christmas carols arranged by Arthur Harris will allow everyone to raise their voices to really ring in the holidays.  

“Christmas may be gone, but, the concert actually is on Jan. 6, the last day of the 12 Days of Christmas (also known as Epiphany),” said Pat Tukey. “What a great way to conclude all of our holiday celebrations.” 

Historically, 12th Night was the period from Christmas Day to Epiphany, where no work and much merrymaking marked the time. Banquets, balls, and other grand festivities took place during these “12 Days of Christmas.” The tradition was very popular in England and in Colonial America. 

The audience will be treated to holiday punch and sweets following the performance in the concert hall lobby, compliments of the Symphony and concert sponsor, Carolina Village. 

For more information, visit hendersonvillesymphony.org, or call the HSO office at 828-697-5884. (The HSO offices recently relocated to 317 N. Washington St., Suite 2, next to the Henderson County Public Library in downtown Hendersonville. 

Submitted by Pat Tukey