Westmoreland Symphony concert is truly 'Home for the Holidays' this year

For many around Westmoreland County, nothing signals the arrival of the Yule season quite like the Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra’s annual “Home for the Holidays” concert.

Even though pandemic restrictions prevent the symphony from playing in front of a live audience this year, the popular concert is on, via a livestream from Greensburg’s Palace Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19.

Some changes were inevitable due to gathering restrictions — the large All-Star Choir of area high school students will not be able to participate — but the program will include the mix of popular and sacred songs that audiences have come to love.

WSO Artistic Director Daniel Meyer will conduct.

“It’s a special edition for the folks at home,” said WSO Executive Director Endy Reindl. “This concert will bring back the nostalgic times we all love with familiar songs and carols.”

But that’s not all.

“We’re really trying to add some extras in, so we’ll have some exciting new features,” Reindl said.

The excitement will include arrangements of “Deck the Halls” and “Joy to the World” by Mannheim Steamroller founder Chip Davis.

Even people who don’t think they’re familiar with Mannheim Steamroller’s bold blend of classical, new age and rock elements probably will recognize it when they hear it, said acting concertmaster Jason Neukom.

The Steamroller’s bold music is ubiquitous in background music at malls and stores around the holidays, he said.

“This concert feels a little different from our usual repertoire,” Neukom said. “It’s a little more lighthearted.”

The fun will include an audience participation element during the jing-jing-jingling of “Sleigh Bells.”

“We’re trying to work out an app so that folks can play sleigh bells along at home,” Reindl said. “We’re in the final stages of that.”

“‘Sleigh Ride’ is a guilty pleasure for me,” Neukom added. “I just love playing it.”

Among other numbers on the program are Richman’s “Hanukkah Celebration” and Williams’ “Fantasia on Christmas Carols.”

Just as the experience will be different for patrons this year, it also is different for symphony members, Neukom said.

Musicians will be spaced out on the theater stage, “so you feel quite exposed and like you’re all alone,” he said. “It feels strange to have this huge, empty hall.

“You do miss that energy you get from the audience, but we’re happy to finally be performing. That feels great.”

A “Home for the Holidays” stream pass is available for $35 on the symphony website. Information on using a promo code to obtain a discount also can be found there.

Details: westmorelandsymphony.org