On Saturday evening, December 2, The City of Weston, the Weston Music Society, and the Weston Town Center, in collaboration with the Arts Council of Greater Weston, hosted a marvelous holiday concert.
Annalisa Walker, Special Events Manager for the City of Weston, noted. “It was a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season with the Symphony of the Americas Holiday Pops Concert. This free event is brought to Weston with the participation of multiple entities to provide this musical opportunity for all to enjoy. It was fun to watch the younger kids’ impromptu dancing. Kids of all ages – and adults as well – – enjoyed the “snow” that blew throughout the evening”.
The event featured the Symphony of the Americas under the baton of their new artistic director and conductor Maestro Pablo Mielgo. He studied at the Royal Conservatory in Madrid, Spain, his native country, and has traveled the world conducting for the United Nations Human Rights concerts and dedicating time to developing young talent. He introduced each number on the program with charm, humor, and holiday spirit. The 500-plus attendees cheered for him and the wonderful program he presented.
WMS Co-Vice Presidents of Events Diane Marett and Toby Feuer were delighted with the evening. In addition to providing music programs in the elementary schools and scholarships for those continuing their musical education in college, bringing first-class events to Weston is a major aim of the Weston Music Society. They noted all ages had fun having their pictures taken with Olaf from “Frozen”.
The program was a truly eclectic holiday offering. Favorites included: “Fantasy on Greensleeves”, “A Mad Russian’s Christmas”, “Christmas at the Movies”, “Maoz Tzur”, the song sung when lighting the Chanukah candles, and a rousing “Christmas Festival” of standard favorites. A special highlight was the performance of soprano Kyaunee Richardson. Her rendition of “O Holy Night” brought the audience to their feet, as did her closing number, the jewel song “Glitter and Be Gay” from Leonard Bernstein’s “Candide”.
WMS President Lou Marett commented, “It was such a pleasure to see so many families with children and seniors all enjoying the beautiful music. Music has the power to bring us together and this concert did indeed do that”.
