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The sounds of the holiday season – along with a few Broadway favorites by composer Andrew Lloyd Webber – filled the California Theatre in San Bernardino last Saturday night as the San Bernardino Symphony took the stage for their annual Holiday Scenes performance. The Christmas selections spanned music from the 16th century through modern times including such diversity as Bach’s “Mass in B Minor, BWV 232: IV.v. Dona nobis pacem” to Harry Simeone’s “Little Drummer Boy.”
Special guest performers included Dale Kristien, best known for her portrayal of Christine Daae in Webber’s “The Phantom of the Opera.” Kristien appeared in that role for over 1700 performances, both on Broadway and for the entire 4½ record-breaking years in Los Angeles. Appearing opposite of Kristien at Saturday’s show was Bill Hutton, known for his role of Joseph in the original Broadway production of Webber and Tim Rice’s “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” Hutton was Tony Award nominated for his Broadway role as Joseph.
Accompanying the symphony for selected pieces was the Loma Linda Academy Pro Musica elite choral ensemble. The choral ensemble is by audition only and is comprised of students grades 9 through 12 attending the Loma Linda Academy. The ensemble’s director, Kristian Leukert, is in his fourth year of teaching at the academy.
Conducting the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra for the Christmas show was Guest Conductor Corey Hirsch. A graduate of the Juilliard School and the University of Southern California, Hirsch is the conductor of the Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach and music director/arranger/vocal coach for Disney. Hirsch is the second candidate guest conductor of the local symphony as they undergo a search for the symphony’s new conductor.
Two unannounced guests made special appearances at Saturday’s festivities. Former child actress of mid-20th century, Margaret O’Brien — best known for her role at Tootie opposite Judy Garland — in the 1944 film “Meet Me in St. Louis,” was escorted on stage to be serenaded by Kristien with the song “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”
The other unannounced special guest at Saturday’s concert was none other than Santa Claus himself, much to the delight of the few young children in attendance. They enjoyed a few minutes with the right jolly old elf in the lobby after the concert concluded.
