Conway Symphony continues Christmas tradition

CONWAY — The Conway Symphony Orchestra will present its electrifying holiday concert for all ages, A Mad Russian’s Christmas, at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7 at Reynolds Performance Hall at the University of Central Arkansas.

Conductor Israel Getzov will lead the first half of the concert in a performance of Christmas favorites, including “Sleigh Ride,” and excerpts from The Nutcracker ballet. The ballet will be performed alongside the Arkansas Festival Ballet under the direction of Rebecca Stalcup.

The mood of the concert will change entirely after intermission as a 10-person rock ensemble takes center stage and performs screaming Van Halenesque guitar solos with selections from Paul O’Neill’s Trans-Siberian Orchestra, accompanied by a light show.

“This concert is going to be a contrast between the traditional and nontraditional, and we are thrilled to present the 10th anniversary between the Conway Symphony Orchestra and the Arkansas Festival Ballet,” Getzov said. “The second half of our concert is something Conway has never seen before: a classic rock concert featuring the music of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. We’ve had so much interest in this new format that we are almost guaranteed to sell out.”

Tickets for the concert are available for $25 to $45 at the box office by calling (501) 450-3265 or visiting www.ConwaySymphony.org.

Preceding the concert from 6-7 p.m., families are invited to join the CSO Guild for Nutcracker Sweets at Brewer-Hegeman Hall, next to Reynolds Hall. The event, at $5 for children and free for adults, offers an opportunity to meet the ballerinas, enjoy treats and participate in craft activities.

Santa will be in the lobby of Reynolds during intermission, allowing kids to come out and take a picture. A Mad Russian’s Christmas is sponsored by Conway Corp and Palmer Music Co.

For more information on Conway Symphony Orchestra concerts and other programs, visit ConwaySymphony.org or call (501) 269-1066.