Festive Family Concert

Dec 16, 2024 | Announcements, Events

A large and appreciative audience filled the Central Bucks East auditorium on December 8 for the BCSO’s annual Family Concert, featuring local musical talent and beloved tunes for all ages.

Continuing a decades-long partnership with the Central Bucks School District, the BCSO welcomed the CB East Wind Ensemble for a side-by-side performance of Anatoly Liadov’s rousing Polonaise. Led by its director, Jason Morehouse, the East ensemble joined the BCSO for a flourishing finale to a delightful afternoon of musical entertainment.

Youth Concerto Competition winner, 13-year-old Elijah Song, dazzled the audience with his playing of the first movement from Édouard Lalo’s Cello Concerto in D minor. A student of Priscilla Lee, associate principal of The Philadelphia Orchestra, Elijah displayed his warm, rich tone and impeccable technique as his proud family and a room packed with aspiring young musicians enjoyed his first solo performance with a symphony orchestra.

The BCSO also captivated the audience with Igor Stravinsky’s witty and engaging Suite No. 2 for Small Orchestra, filled with colorful sounds and sprightly interplay among the instruments. Valerie Eastburn, BCSO board member and head of the Drama Program at Phillips’ Mill Community Association, provided entertaining and enlightening narration as the orchestra played the well-known tunes of The Nutcracker Suite, which concluded with a special visit from a live nutcracker! Dozens of children scattered throughout the audience then enthusiastically rang their sleigh bells along with the orchestra on the perennial winter favorite, Sleigh Ride, following precisely the guiding hand of Maestro Domínguez.

All-in-all, another not-to-be-missed BCSO concert for the entire family!