Wear your pajamas to Melbourne Community Orchestra's 'Pajammin' Holidays'
For those who think community orchestras are fusty/musty, we present the Melbourne Community Orchestra’s “Pajammin’ Holidays.” At the Dec. 20 and 21 concerts, the musicians - and hopefully the audience - will comfortably share the joy of music in their jammies and bunny slippers. Making the already warm-and-fuzzy performances more satisfying is the fact that the shows are free.
The orchestra will be ready in their pajama regalia at 7 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 20 and 21, at Melbourne Auditorium, 625 Hibiscus Blvd. The audience is invited to join them by wearing their favorite pjs.
“This concert would put a smile on the face of the Grinch,” said conductor Mark Nelson.
According to piccolo player and orchestra general manager Noel Barefield, musicians have always been encouraged to add a touch of holiday whimsy to their attire during December concerts. This year, the musicians are taking a cue from principal trombonist Joel Ash.
“Last year, he arrived for the performance dressed in his Christmas pjs,” Ash said.
“And he looked so cute! He’s actually 6’10” and in college, so it was adorable to see him in his pjs. One year later, and we’re all planning to be in our jammies!”
The program includes "Santa Claus is Coming to Town," "Fantasy on We Three Kings" and a medley of European carols, along with a lively orchestral arrangement of Hanukkah songs. Rimsky-Korsakov's “Christmas Eve Suite” is on the playlist, too, along with two pieces from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, known for their eclectic combinations of rock, classical and holiday music.
A must-hear is Maestro Nelson's rendition of, "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch," written for the 1966 animated Dr. Seuss classic, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”
Nelson, a conductor, clinician and educator for more than 40 years, has been recognized for his conducting of orchestra ensembles across the United States. The two-time recipient of the National Band Association Citation of Excellence, he is a co-founder of the Community Band of Brevard and also pioneered the American Musical Theatre Program for the Brevard County Public Schools. In 2013, he was named a Legion Laureate - one of only 100 nationally - by the John Phillip Sousa Society.
With the Melbourne Community Orchestra, he leads a dynamic group of 65 musicians that range from student players to full-time professionals. Dedicated to enhancing the appreciation and understanding of orchestral music in Brevard, the all-volunteer “orchestra in residence” for the City of Melbourne strives to provide an intimate audience experience at its home venue, Melbourne Auditorium.
While both holiday performances commence at 7 p.m., an onstage ensemble will entertain the audience early birds beginning at 6:15 p.m. Early arrival is recommended for securing primo spots.
“Pajammin’ Holidays” will prove a perfectly jolly overture for the rapidly-approaching holidays.
“The music never fails to work its magic,” said Nelson.
If you go
'Pajammin' Holidays'
Where: Melbourne Auditorium, 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd.
When: Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 20 and 21 at 7 p.m.
Admission: Free
Info: 321-285-6724
On the web: mcorchestra.org
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This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Snuggle up in your jammies for MCO's 'Pajammin' Holidays' concert
