When musicians from the Columbus Symphony Orchestra assembled for a recent rehearsal for Sunday’s concert “Winter Is Coming,” the outside temperature hovered near the teens.
So music director and conductor Josh Aerie made an announcement.
“Maybe we should change the title of the concert to ‘Winter Is Here,’” Aerie wisecracked.
Actually, the free holiday show at 3:30 p.m. Sunday at The Commons in downtown Columbus is titled for the suite linked to the chill TV show “Game of Thrones.” The mostly volunteer ensemble, with special guest musicians from the Jennings County High School Orchestra, will perform the work with the foreboding and haunting opening.
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It serves as another example of Aerie working to bring new, culturally popular material to the symphony and its audiences — something that he highlighted when he assumed his leadership post in the fall of 2015. Last Christmas, for instance, he included music from the Trans Siberian Orchestra, complete with a driving electric guitar, for a holiday happening that rocked the symphony’s more formal traditions.
“I think it’s very important to bring in newer music, and even better than that, newer music that people already have a fun and emotional connection with,” Aerie said. “For people to hear some of that show’s music in a symphonic setting will be a real thrill for folks.”
The holiday concert is the symphony’s most popular, often attracting more than 400 people, according to organizers.
The Jennings students, under the direction of symphony viola player Grant Pfifer, will be peppered throughout the orchestra playing side by side with adult members of the ensemble. The symphony has worked regularly with student groups the past few seasons, including Kathy Dell’s choir from Parkside Elementary School.
Besides the “Game of Thrones” piece, the combined group will also perform a “Carol of the Bells” medley, including “Greensleeves” and others; a Russian Christmas carol mix; the “Winter” segment of Antonio Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” concerto featuring concertmaster Phil Palermo, also a performer with Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra; and the last two movements of Ludwig von Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6.
The Russian Christmas tunes to be played are a sheet music gift from orchestra member Adam Nicholson, who wanted the orchestra to have the music in its library.
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Who: The Columbus Symphony Orchestra performing a mix of holiday and other tunes at its concert "Winter is Coming"
When: 3:30 p.m. Sunday. Violinist Laura Andrews’ strings students will entertain with pre-concert tunes beginning at 3 p.m.
Where: The Commons, 300 Washington St. in downtown Columbus
Admission: Free for this concert as a gift to the community
Information: csoindiana.org
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