On Dec. 5, 6 and 7, Madison-area residents of all ages entered the Overture Center clad in Santa hats and holiday sweaters for the annually enjoyed “A Madison Symphony Christmas.” Performing alongside professional musicians, several Middleton High School (MHS) students took the stage in this show.
“A Madison Symphony Christmas,” directed by renowned conductor John DeMain, features the Madison Symphony Orchestra (MSO), Madison Symphony Chorus, Madison Youth Choirs (MYC) and the Mt. Zion Gospel Choir. This year’s two professional soloists were soprano Alexandra LoBianco and bass-baritone Kyle Ketelsen. In total, 14 MHS students joined the music, participating in MYC and the Mt. Zion Gospel Choir.
Following a yearly start-of-show tradition, MYC’s high school singers filed through rows of audience members and held candles, singing John Rutter’s “O Come O Come Emmanuel.” This first piece, called the processional, culminated with almost all of the night’s performers playing and singing together, showing listeners the power of over 300 musicians’ collective sound.
After a variety of pieces from the professional musicians and MYC’s elementary- and middle-school members, the high schoolers returned to join the Madison Symphony Chorus in singing George Friedric Handel’s famous “Hallelujah Chorus.”
The high school singers then performed “Apple Tree Wassail” by Stephen Hatfield, an energetic song about celebrating a successful harvest, guest conducted by MYC’s artistic director Michael Ross. John Debney’s “Theme from ‘Elf’” followed, featuring comical choreography, the opening melody from the classic Christmas movie and even plastic kazoos.
Beyond the eclectic mix of music, “A Madison Symphony Christmas” holds significant meaning to many MYC members. Alumni often remember the evening rehearsals and performances as a highlight of their high school experience.
“It was my last time this year, and it was really emotional for me,” said MHS senior Madge Hayward. “I’ve been doing the Christmas concert since I was a little child.”
Hayward was first inspired to join MYC at age five, when she attended “A Madison Symphony Christmas” and knew she wanted to be on the stage. With grandparents who sing in the Madison Symphony Chorus, she notes that the intergenerational connection that the concert brings makes it even more special to her.
However, this personal importance is not exclusive to longtime members. Many students new to MSO express appreciation for the friendly, talkative atmosphere that all the musicians and audience members cultivate.
“I like the community [in] the MSO Christmas concert because they really welcome everyone,” said junior Alex Everson, who joined MYC two years ago.
Later in the program, the Mt. Zion Gospel Choir sang two songs written by their own director Leotha Stanley: “Joy of Christmas” and “The Spirit of Christmas Is Love.” Both included MHS senior Ava Greenberg, who sang a solo in the former.
Throughout high school, Greenberg has seen Stanley as a mentor. She enjoys the opportunity to spread holiday cheer and partake in the Christmas concert’s long-standing traditions.
“John DeMain’s amazing, and the Madison Symphony Orchestra’s amazing, and they just put on a really great show that spreads happiness and positivity,” Greenberg said.
Near the end of the concert, MYC and the Mt. Zion Gospel Choir combined to sing a gospel rendition of “Joy to the World,” also arranged by Stanley. The concert then concluded with a Christmas carol singalong, an unforgettable moment in which thousands of festive voices filled Overture Hall.
Every winter, “A Madison Symphony Christmas” gives multiple MHS students—along with other local high schoolers—a remarkable experience working with high-level musicians. This year’s welcoming energy, audience support and quirky song selections made it a memorable concert for all involved. Those who missed it need not worry: the countdown has already begun for next December, when the festivities will return at full strength.
