Written by Michael Martin
SAN FRANCISCO – The holiday spirit came extra early this year thanks to the SF Symphony on a rainy Sunday afternoon in San Francisco on December 3rd. If you’d like to start a yearly family tradition, then Deck The Halls is a great place to start, just a few days before Christmas. An audience of children and families dressed from head to toe in their best outfits filled Davies Hall. This was a festive family experience for the young and old to sing along to some of Christmas’s most beloved songs. Conductor Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser was a delight as he announced each performance, and there were many, including costumed characters. An unexpected treat was to see a live band jamming out with our beloved Symphony early in the night. It was also wonderful to have a sea of angelic voices filling the upper back tier. This tier was occupied by The San Francisco Boys Chorus and the Young Women’s Choral Projects, and their voices could be heard throughout the entire venue. They sang multiple songs, including Happy Kwanzaa. The Presidio Panto Players were a trio of vocalists who added a touch of Beach Blanket Babylon with stunning costumes, including giant wigs and massive head adornments covered in shiny gems. Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser kept us all on our toes as each announcement and hand gesture brought out more and more talent. The SF Ballet School Trainees jumped to the stage with spinning pirouettes in unison of three, delighting all of us with their excellent routines. Sounds of the east filled the air with drumming as multiple costumed ladies entered in full traditional garments performing Indian classical dance. It was a beautiful musical and dance affair. An impressive moment was vocalist Stephanie Woodford’s rendition of Mariah Carrey’s Christmas favourite, “All I Want For Christmas Is You.”
Finally, for the grand finale Rudolf, Frosty The Snowman, and Santa Claus himself. Woohoo, Santa and my favourite Christmas characters were all coming to life before our eyes. Each beloved Christmas character came on stage as the whole house sang in unison and spirit, with all the children on the edge of their seats in glee. All the performers joined together for a final last song which we all sang along to and cheered as they took their bows. I sang with the entire audience at the top of my lungs, as the joy in the room was undeniable. I guess I still have the vocal chops because nobody gave me a cross-eyed stare ha-ha. As we began the long exit into the crowded hall, we were happy to find a basket of Deck The Hall cookies and treats waiting for us. I had to indulge as we all did. We could not have asked for a more incredible night and an inspiring way to bring in the holidays. All I can say is Merry Christmas to one and all and a wonderful New year ahead!
“Proceeds from this event support the San Francisco Symphony’s education and community programs and Deck the Hall Community Day. The annual community day invites schoolchildren from public programs to a free holiday performance, providing many of them with their first opportunity to visit a concert hall and hear live orchestral music.”
ARTISTS AND PERFORMERS:
Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser
Conductor
Stephanie Woodford
Vocalist
SF Ballet School Trainees
San Francisco Boys Chorus
Ian Robertson Director
Young Women’s Choral Projects
Martín Benvenuto Interim Director
Kugelplex
Dholrhythms Dance Company
Presidio Panto Players
San Francisco Symphony
For more Info on the SF Symphony goes to: www.sfsymphony.org
