Friends of the Center for the Arts reflect on holiday performances at the venue that have been special to them and evoked cherished memories.
Listening to The American Festival Pops Orchestra perform “Sleigh Ride” draws a picture that carries me into the crisp snowy night where sleigh bells are ringing, horses are clip clopping, chestnuts are popping, and friends are calling and singing carols. Then, with the crack of a whip and the jingle of bells, I ride down the road with my sweetheart to savor and share happy feelings and traditions! During “Sleigh Ride,” I can’t help but feel merry and bright, observing the smiles and energy of the musicians and wallowing in my memories of the special people, sights, smells, and sounds of Christmas seasons past.
—Janice Sutera Wolfe
The GRAMMY® Award-winning vocal ensemble Chanticleer has performed its Christmas concert at the Center for the Arts several times over the years and it always is an audience favorite. The first time I heard this amazing choir perform I was delighted with their beautiful harmonies and their incredibly extensive repertoire ranging from Gregorian Chant to Silent Night to A Charlie Brown Christmas. They stood on the Concert Hall stage attired in a rainbow of comfy sweaters which made me feel almost like I was with them in someone’s living room. It was not until several songs into the concert that they explained that they usually performed in tuxedos but that the airline had lost their luggage and that the sweaters were a last-minute replacement. I have seen Chanticleer at the Center other holiday seasons, but the first time with the sweaters will always be my favorite.
—Paulette Miller
One holiday season several years ago, one of the orchestras visiting the Center for the Arts played Leroy Anderson’s “A Christmas Medley,” which is one of my two favorite carols (the other one is “Carol of the Bells.”) For years now, whenever we start to decorate the house for Christmas, “A Christmas Medley” is the tune I play to kick things off. It’s great hearing it on a music system, but it is OUTSTANDING to hear it performed live!
—Mark Roddy
Holiday concerts performed at the Center for the Arts by the Natalie MacMaster/Donnell Leahy family have been a favorite of mine whenever they come to Fairfax. Their chatting together on stage, reminiscing about Christmas times in Cape Breton Island have always evoked warm memories of my childhood, when grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins would all get together and tell long stories, sing songs, and imbibe in delicious holiday cuisine.
—Bob Warakomsky
View 2024 holiday concerts at the Center for the Arts.