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Arts & Entertainment

Westfield Symphony's Holiday Concert Delights Audience

'Home for the Holidays,' the WSO's second annual holiday performance, included the Westfield High School choir.

The ushered in the holiday season with its 'Home for the Holidays' concert on Saturday, Dec. 3 at the Presbyterian Church in Westfield. 

Conducted by Musical Director David Wroe, the WSO is a dynamic world-class musical experience that brings the finest orchestral music to Westfield. 

"This concert has become the premier cultural outlet to kick off the holiday season in the Westfield area,” Wroe said. 

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The concert was very well attended and the audience enjoyed holiday favorites such as 'Carol of the Bells,' 'Silent Night,' and selections from 'The Nutcracker Suite.' 

In addition, the WSO performed 'Home for the Movies with John Williams and Friends,' which featured rousing renditions of themes from 'Star Wars,' 'Forrest Gump,' and 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.' 

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The Westfield High School Concert Choir and Bella Cora performed 'This Christmastide' and 'Gloria' with the symphony.

WHS Music Directors, John Brzozowski and Sharon Reynolds agreed the students’ participation in the concert was an outstanding opportunity. 

Kristin Ragoza, a member of the WHS Concert Choir was excited to perform in the 'Home for the Holidays.' 

“It’s awesome to be performing with such a high caliber symphony,” said choir member Ryan Hobson.

Several students stated that they have a strong connection to the music.

Half of the proceeds from the sale of concert tickets will be donated to the choir's fundraising efforts. Money raised will help finance the spring choral trip to Europe where the choir will have performance opportunities in Austria and Italy.

Elizabeth Ryan, director of marketing for the WSO, has been instrumental in fostering the collaboration. Additionally, she helped to coordinate the fundraising effort.

This year’s concert was the second annual 'Home for the Holidays.' The program appeals to the entire community and makes the perfect family seasonal celebration, Ryan said.

Westfield residents, Dr. Norman Luca and his wife Kris attended the concert with their grandchildren, Declan and Audrey. Luca previously served as president of the WSO. 

“We love the concert," Kris said. "It is very festive and there is lots of variety.” 

The concert concluded with a sing-a-long in which the audience was invited to participate in classics such as 'Frosty the Snowman' and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.'

The concert concluded with an enthusiastic round of applause from the appreciative audience.

The WSO has another special event concert scheduled for later this month.  'That’s Entertainment,' a New Year’s Eve concert, will begin at 7 p.m. at Westfield High School. 

Tickets are now available for both regular and special event performances. For more information, visit the WSO website or call 908-232-9400.

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