A Viennese Christmas is about the lights, sights, smells — and sounds. After all, Vienna is the concert capital of classical music. In that tradition, the El Paso Symphony Orchestra will combine the charming sounds of the Viennese Waltz with traditional Christmas music, the beautiful sounds of a choir, and a bit of American smooth jazz. Christmas in Vienna, led by Maestro Bohuslav Rattay and including the delightful vocals of Candice Reyes and the Choral Union, will bring the sounds of the season to the Plaza Theatre in El Paso, 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, December 6 & 7.
“Strauss waltzes at Christmas? It’s like Santa borrowed a tuxedo—still festive, but with a touch of class.” Rattay said. “I encourage everyone to attend this year's symphony Christmas concert where you’ll hear Sleigh Ride performed with the gravitas of Beethoven as well as Johann Strauss waltzes that will feel like fancy cookies: no one expected them, but now they’re the highlight.”
Acclaimed jazz vocalist and native El Pasoan Candice Reyes will be featured on “Christmas Time is Here,” popularized in “A Charlie Brown Christmas” plus Ella Fitzgerald’s “What are You Doing New Year’s Eve,” Gershwin’s “‘S Wonderful,” and the traditional “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.”
Candice Reyes has gained a reputation as an active Latina jazz vocalist. While residing in New Jersey with her husband, saxophonist Abel Mireles, and actively involved in the New York City scene, she released two solo albums “Crossing Over,” produced by Mack Goldsbury with Shade Records in 2014, and her 2018 album “Your Way.” Reyes established herself in the El Paso jazz scene early in her career. She received a bachelor’s degree in commercial music in vocal performance at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP.)
The Choral Union led by Dr. Elisa F. Wilson, Associate Professor of Choral Music and Voice at UTEP, will join Candice in “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” and “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.” The Choral Union will also perform “Night of Silence/Silent Night,” “Let it Snow,” and “O’ Little Town of Bethlehem,” among others. The concert also will showcase the El Paso Symphony Orchestra performing Joseph Strauss’ waltzes “On The Beautiful Blue Danube,” “Voices of Spring,” and “Roses from the South” evoking images of wintery scenes with ice skaters waltzing across frozen ponds plus an audience favorite Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride.”
Attendees are also invited to the free pre-concert discussion Opening Notes with Nathan Black. Provided will be insights on the program, composer and artists to help make your musical experience even more enjoyable. Opening Notes will take place at 6:30 p.m. in the Philanthropy Theatre.
The Plaza Theatre is located at 125 W. Mills Ave., in El Paso. Tickets are $17, $23, $37, $44, and $49, plus fees. Student prices are $9, and $12, plus fees. Tickets can be purchased via Ticketmaster.com, the Plaza Theatre Box Office, or by calling 915-532-3776.