The Cape Ann Symphony’s annual Holiday Pops Concert kicks off the holiday season with shows next weekend in Ipswich and Manchester-by-the-Sea. The symphony performs on Saturday, November 30 at 2 p.m. at the Dolan Performing Arts Center at Ipswich High School, and November 30 at 7:30 p.m. and December 1 at 2 p.m. at Manchester-Essex High School in Manchester-by-the-Sea. Their joyful program includes music from Anderson, Bach, Herbert, Tchaikovsky and many others.
The 2019 Holiday Pops concert, led by CAS Conductor and Music Director Yoichi Udagawa, features the Cape Ann Symphony Chorus directed by Rockport’s Wendy Betts; select high school choruses; and the CAS debut of cellist Jake Copp, the winner of CAS’s Young Musicians Competition.
The Ipswich High School Bel Canto Select Women’s Chorus joins the 2 p.m. show on November 30, and the Manchester-Essex Regional High School Select Chorus joins on December 1 at 2 p.m. The student choruses will perform Handel’s Hallelujah and Holcomb’s Festive Sounds of Hanukkah.
“The musicians and I are always thrilled to perform the Holiday Pops concerts,” said CAS Conductor and Music Director Yoichi Udagawa. “We love sharing the stage with our wonderful chorus, as well as the student choruses from both Ipswich and Manchester. This year we are especially excited to introduce our audience to young Jake Copp, the winner of the CAS’s first ever Young Musicians Competition.”
This year’s holiday program includes selections from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, Anderson’s Christmas Festival, Bach’s Little Fugue in G minor, Rondol’s Gloria; Herbert’s March of the Toys, Davis/Wright’s Carol of the Drum, Custer’s Winter Wonderland, Rutter’s What Sweeter Music.
Jake Copp, the 16-year-old cellist, makes his professional debut with Saint-Saëns Allegro Appassionato for Solo Cello and Orchestra at all three Holiday Pops Concerts. Copp is a student of CAS cellist Dorothy Braker. “I know everyone will really enjoy Jake’s passionate playing,” said Udagawa. “We are thrilled to be presenting such an accomplished young talent.”
The Holiday Pops December 1 matinee is already sold out. Tickets are still available for the November 30 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. shows, at Ipswich High School and Manchester-Esex High School respectively. Tickets are $43 for adults, $38 for senior citizens, $15 for students of any age, and $5 for youths 12 and under. For tickets and information, call 978-281-0543 or visit www.capeannsymphony.org.