The sounds of seasonal tunes filled the Wilson Concert Hall in the Lenfest Center for the Arts as W&L’s musical ensembles brought holiday cheer with the annual Holiday Pops concert on Dec. 2.
The concert showcased talent of the university’s Music Department from the orchestra to the choir. This year, the concert featured the Glee Club, Cantatrici, the University Jazz Ensemble, the University Orchestra and the University Wind Ensemble.
From modern favorites, like “Deck the Halls” sung by Cantatrici and the Glee Club, to more seasoned songs such as “Stars and Stripes for Christmas” played by the University Wind Ensemble, the performances attracted audience members of all ages to celebrate the holidays with festive music.
To end the night, the University Wind Ensemble played a compilation of: “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” “The Sussex Mummers’ Christmas Carol” and “Home for the Holidays.”
“I enjoyed the concert a great deal… I was just blown away by the finale,” said James Gorman, ’29. “So many songs were blended together in such a festive and creative way. It really set a good tone going into the holidays.”
While the concert put attendees like Gorman into the holiday spirit, the occasion also embraced the giving nature of the season.
Admission into the concert was free, with one exception.
“Tickets are free but required with non-perishable food or monetary donation to Campus Kitchen,” according to the concert’s Lenfest ticket webpage.
Susan Wager, the assistant director of the Lenfest Center, said the popularity of the event has only increased. The growth follows a new partnership with Campus Kitchen, a university organization addressing food insecurity in Lexington and Rockbridge County.
This year’s concert marks the 34th anniversary of the original holiday concert.
The first seasonal performance occurred on Dec. 10, 1991 in Keller Theatre, Wager said. Since then, the concert has become a staple in the Lexington community.
“Holiday Pops has typically sold out each year,” Wager said.
After all their preparation and rehearsals, students performing at the event expressed their excitement for the concert and its charitable cause.
“I thought we performed well… it was definitely special. Overall, it was a really fun night,” Glee Club member Nic Zamaloff, ’26, said. “I’m really happy to know that what money was generated last night is going to a good cause.”
