PORT ANGELES — Conductor Adam Stern is busy preparing the Port Angeles Symphony for its holiday concert Saturday, fueled as ever by his signature enthusiasm — but this time, he is tight-lipped about both the music and the mystery guest.
When asked what he might say to a non-symphony-goer to entice him or her to the Port Angeles High School Performing Arts Center on Saturday, Stern did lay out a menu of sorts.
“I would stress the aspects of fun and surprise in this program,” he said.
And the maestro promises these performances — the public dress rehearsal at 10 a.m. Saturday and the evening concert at 7:30 p.m. — have holiday songs and then some.
Patrons can plan on “everything from the fast-and-furious to the contemplative,” Stern added, “and an occasional dash of musical humor.”
Mystery musician
The 50-member Port Angeles Symphony Orchestra will welcome a surprise guest musician, too — about whom Stern would give up two hints.
“She’ll be instantly known to anyone who frequents our concerts,” he said, and “she’s not yet permitted to patronize a tavern.”
Pressed about the music, Stern got a little more forthcoming:
“There will be some whimsical takes on holiday standards, some of Leroy Anderson’s ever-delightful orchestral music,” he noted.
There will also be “something for our substantial Scandinavian constituency and a chance to savor something other than the ubiquitous ‘The Planets’ by that underrated genius Gustav Holst.”
Enticing youths
In its ongoing effort to bring in a younger crowd, admission to the symphony’s 7:30 p.m. concert will be free to youths 16 and younger when accompanied by an adult.
Otherwise, tickets range from $12 to $30, with general seating tickets on sale at Port Book and News, 104 E. First St., Port Angeles, and in two Sequim locations: The Good Book/Joyful Noise Music Center at 108 W. Washington St., and Sequim Village Glass at 761 Carlsborg Road.
For reserved seats, phone the symphony office at 360-457-5579.
Stern also gives a pre-concert chat at 6:40 p.m.
The morning and evening performances both will take place at the Performing Arts Center (auditorium) at the high school, 304 E. Park Ave.
For more about the symphony and its activities, visit www.PortAngelesSymphony.org.
_________
Features Editor Diane Urbani de la Paz can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5062, or at diane.urbani@peninsuladailynews.com.
