Last weekend I watched Santa Claus sing and dance across a stage, reminding Pittsburghers they better not pout and they better not cry. A ballerina pirouetted to the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, captivating us all with her grace. The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, the Mendelssohn Choir, conductor Byron Stripling and one extremely talented organist took us to church with an inspiring rendition of Go Tell It On The Mountain. We all stood for the Hallelujah Chorus and we all transformed into bright eyed children with a singalong of popular classics.
Not to mention, all this transpired in one of the most extraordinary music halls around.
There’s a sense of community at the Holiday Pops. There were people in jeans and those decked out in their finest. People from all walks of life gathered to join in the most festive night of the year at Heinz Hall.
By the way, yes, it’s THAT Heinz. If you come to Pittsburgh, expect to see lots of the ketchup company all over the city. What I wouldn’t give for their marketing budget.
But I digress.
The acoustics are outstanding and the place is absolutely stunning. Seeing it decorated for Christmas was nothing short of breathtaking and I was charmed before the door closed behind me.
I would go back in a heartbeat.
If you think a night at the symphony sounds too highfalutin for your tastes, the holidays pops is a great place to start because it’s fun and the arrangements of popular songs are more accessible to people who think they don’t like classical music.
In fact, I think everyone should have this experience at least once in their lives. My experience was in Pittsburgh but you can seek out a symphony in your own area.
This concert was one of several holiday themed activities that I enjoyed during my Pittsburgh adventure and a special part of my mission to embrace the Christmas spirit.
The sights and sounds were pure holiday delights!
