There will be a different format for Carmel Symphony Orchestra’s annual “Holiday Pops” concert, but some things won’t change.
The concert, presented by IU Health, is set for 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12 as a livestream from the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
“There is going to be ‘Winter Wonderland,’ “O Holy Night,’ tunes that people will know,” CSO Artistic Director Janna Hymes said. “But when you have a more intimate setting and it’s being streamed and you are watching it on (a TV or computer screen), it’s definitely going to have a different feel. It’s going to be upbeat and exciting. It will be entertaining for all ages. We want to make sure people tune in and enjoy the holiday favorites. It’s going to be music that is familiar with maybe some different type of arrangements.”
Hymes said a matinee performance set for the same day was canceled when CSO learned it would not be able to have an audience because of a surge in COVID-19 cases.
“This is one of our biggest and most popular concerts of the year, so we’re pretty disappointed but, of course, we understand that we need to take safety measures,” Hymes said.
CSO was allowed an audience of approximately 350 people at its two 2020-21 concerts, one each in October and November.
Heather Bays will be the soloist for the holiday concert.
“Heather is a great singer,” Hymes said. “She sings a variety of styles going from classical to pops. We are still going forward with the same program. It will be smaller orchestra with string players from the CSO, and we have a jazz combo. It’s going to have an intimate feel. We’re excited about it. We are going to have a beautiful stage set up and lightning.”
Hymes said the orchestra will be reduced with fewer brass and wind performers.
“We have so many challenges and obstacles throughout this year that we have to deal with,” she said. “You just have to be flexible. I think we’ve learned how to still supply music and live entertainment but with safety precautions.”
Tickets are $30. For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.
