Worthington Area Symphony Orchestra leans into holidays with Nov. 15 concert

Worthington Area Symphony Orchestra Schedules Holiday Concert

The Worthington Area Symphony Orchestra (WASO) is preparing a family-friendly event titled “Classical Treasures,” set for November 15 at 7 p.m. The fall concert will be held at Worthington’s Memorial Auditorium Performing Arts Center as a musical kickoff to the holiday season.

Concert Highlights

The program includes seasonal favorites as well as classical pieces to entertain all ages. Kris Stewart, flutist and member of the WASO leadership team, shared insight about the closing selections:

“We’ll end the concert with a couple of Christmas selections — Mel Tormé’s cherished ‘The Christmas Song,’ and our traditional closer, Dan Goeller’s ‘A Christmas Carol Sing-Along.’”

Before these, the audience will enjoy a mix of invigorating and thoughtful works. Stewart described the opening piece:

“Our first number, ‘The Light Cavalry Overture’ by Austrian composer Franz von Suppé, is an invigorating tune — one that most people will recognize by its sound if not by its name.”

Featured Symphony by Howard Hanson

Also featured is “Symphony No. 2, Opus 30 in D-flat Major,” known as the “Romantic” symphony by Nebraska-born composer Howard Hanson.

“It’s a short American symphony that’s a little more serious,” said conductor Christopher Stanichar. “It’s Hanson’s most famous symphony.”

Stanichar added background on Hanson’s career and the symphony’s context:

“Howard Hanson went on to become a well-known teacher and mentor at Eastman School of Music. He wrote this symphony during the Depression era, and it has a lot of hopefulness to it.”
Summary

WASO’s November 15 concert promises a mix of uplifting classical works and holiday favorites, offering a warm prelude to the festive season for audiences of all ages.

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Worthington Globe Worthington Globe — 2025-11-06

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