Journey Around the World this Christmas with the Conroe Symphony Orchestra

The Conroe Symphony Orchestra (CSO) invites you to embark on a festive global adventure with their upcoming holiday concert, “Christmas Around the World” on December 14. The orchestra will fill Conroe’s community with melodies inspired by Christmas traditions from across the globe, celebrating the beauty and diversity of the season through music.

Under the baton of Music Director Gary Liebst, the program promises both cherished carols and rare international selections. “We’ll be sharing music that celebrates the many wonderful holiday traditions around the world. From the origins of decorating a Christmas tree to the roots of Christmas carols, we’ll explore the countries where these traditions began and celebrate their influence on our American Christmas,” Liebst said. “Some traditions are religious, others secular, and we’re going to have a grand time presenting both.”

Among the beloved classics, concertgoers will also experience two special pieces. German-born mezzo-soprano Sonja Bruzauskas will perform Koppången, a Swedish song whose beautiful melody and winter imagery evoke scenes of a snow-covered church in a quiet country town. Trained on both sides of the Atlantic, Sonja has an expansive stage career in musical theater, opera, and oratorio, and she frequently performs as a concert singer and recitalist. Her work spans institutions like Rice University, LSU, Vanderbilt, CalArts, and the University of Houston, along with numerous health and cultural institutions.

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“Sonja brings authenticity and a deep emotional connection to each piece she performs, and we’re thrilled to have her voice gracing our holiday concert,” Liebst said.

Joining Sonja on stage will be soprano Annie Voorhees, a 15-year-old sensation from St. John’s School, and tuba soloist Roberto Gaitan, a finalist in the Young Texas Artist Competition. “Annie and Roberto are sensational talents, and we’re excited to showcase their artistry,” Liebst said.

True to tradition, the orchestra’s concert will also feature a lively sing-along, including a newly arranged piece by Dan Goeller. “We’ve received so many requests for the audience sing-along, and I’m thrilled to continue this holiday tradition,” Liebst said. “A personal highlight of the concert will be Silent Night, sung in three different languages by Bruzauskas and Voorhees, enhancing the universal appeal of this cherished carol.”

The Conroe Symphony Orchestra invites everyone to celebrate this longstanding tradition of music, family, and community. “Please join us for this wonderful Conroe tradition of celebrating the holidays with the Conroe Symphony Orchestra!” Liebst said.

The CSO will perform “Christmas Around the World” on December 14, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. at the First Methodist Church Conroe located at 4308 W Davis St. There will be activities for the kids as well.

The orchestra is funded in part by the Texas Commission on the Arts. The CSO is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts. Tickets are on sale now at https://conroesymphony.org/ or by calling the box office at 936-760-2144.

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About the Conroe Symphony Orchestra

The Conroe Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1997. The CSO was created to contribute to the cultural enrichment of the community, assuring a better quality of life for the Conroe area. Its objective is to provide the region with the best possible musical experience while creating music lovers and connecting communities. CSO strives to be recognized as one of the outstanding community orchestras in the state of Texas. As a non-profit community orchestra, it is supported through individual and corporate donations, grants, and ticket sales.

Soloists Bios:

Annie Voorhees, a 15 year-old sophomore at St. John’s School, is thrilled to make her Conroe Symphony debut as a guest vocalist. Previous roles include Louisa Von Trapp in the Houston Grand Opera production of The Sound of Music, Charlie Bucket in Willy Wonka, and Matilda in Matilda. Annie studies aerial acrobatics at The Artz and voice with Lauren Pastorek. Under the direction of Brendan Emig at SJS, Annie is a member of Les Chanteuses and the TPSMEA Regional Honor Choir.

Born and raised in Germany, mezzo soprano Sonja Bruzauskas was trained on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. Besides her expansive stage career in musical theater, opera and operetta, Sonja is a well-established concert singer and recitalist, focusing on oratorio, art song and contemporary music. Sonja has performed and lectured at institutions such as Vanderbilt, LSU, Rice University, Cal Arts, the University of Houston, Grinnell College, the Philosophical Society at Rice University as well as numerous health institutions. Sonja serves as director for the Theatre Forum at Round Top and she teaches Interdisciplinary Collaborations for CSSSA at at CalArts. Sonja is the founder and director of Partnerschools, a project that connects students through the Arts to empower diversity and strengthen communities. Board positions: Past President, Ars Lyrica, Houston; Past President, Houston Philosophical Society at Rice University; past Director, Houston Chamber Choir; President, Partnerschools.

Roberto Gaitan, born in El Salvador and raised in the Houston area, is a talented tuba player and alumnus of Dekaney High School, where he earned a place in the TMEA All-State program through a rigorous audition process. Currently studying at Sam Houston State University (SHSU), he has been awarded multiple scholarships recognizing his achievements in both performance and academics, and has held the Principal Tuba position in various ensembles. Roberto has also performed with community groups such as the Woodlands Symphony and Spring ISD Alumni Band. Notably, he won the silver medal in the Winds, Brass, Percussion, Harp & Guitar Division at the Young Texas Artist Music Competition. Roberto continues to build his career as a musician, dedicated to excellence and inspiring those around him through his passion for music.

Source: Conroe Symphony Orchestra

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