By James Kent
RUTLAND—On Sunday afternoon, Dec. 8, the Paramount Theatre filled wall-to-wall with people ready to usher in the holidays with the annual tradition of a “Holiday Pops” concert performed by the Vermont Symphony Orchestra. Conductor José Daniel Flores-Caraballo and his 100-plus musicians and chorus singers set the tone in this two-hour performance that mixed recognizable holiday favorites with some pieces reflecting Flores-Caraballo’s Latin heritage.
Flores-Caraballo promised the near-capacity crowd on Sunday a party atmosphere, and by all accounts, the VSO delivered. Whether those in attendance knew it or not, when they walked into the theatre that afternoon, they had a role to play in the proceedings. Flores-Caraballo chose several selections where the audience would participate in singing along with the chorus. Flores-Caraballo asked audience members to sing portions of “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” “The Many Moods of Christmas (The First Noel),” “Jingle Bells,” and “White Christmas.” What started as a shy reaction to group singing became a more well-rounded affair when “Jingle Bells” arrived in the program’s second half.
Georges Bizet’s “Farandole” from “L’Arlésienne” performed during the concert’s first half was a highlight. Flores-Caraballo informed the crowd that Bizet’s intention with this particular piece was to spark line dancing and that while he recognized such a practice would be impractical on this afternoon, the audience was welcome to imagine such a dance.
Flores-Caraballo proved an entertaining host throughout the afternoon, continually keeping the audience engaged, enthused, and amused by his enthusiasm and anecdotes. His introduction to the Spanish traditional “Esta Noche” included background on Puerto Rican Christmas Eve practices of singing at all hours of the evening. Soprano Evangelia Leontis provided additional flare with her solo singing of “Esta Noche,” a standout moment of the concert.
Another highlight came in the show’s second to last performance. Leontis and baritone David Rugger performed a duet to start the first half of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” before the full chorus kicked in. The number received an enormous applause from the packed auditorium of the Paramount.
The VSO’s Holiday Pop concert concluded with an audience favorite, Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride.” The entire orchestra and chorus donned Santa hats for this final number, including Flores-Caraballo. The worthy performers received a standing ovation from the gracious audience in attendance.
When a late Thanksgiving truncates the holiday season, it can feel more stressful, as if there is so much to do in so little time that taking a moment to experience a holiday pleasantry is a luxury one cannot afford. But for those taking in Sunday’s VSO performance, one could not help but experience the joy of setting aside a couple of hours to usher in the season in such a proper manner. The sounds of music one hears, perhaps only at this time of year, take the mind back to those earlier times of youth, ones spent hiding under a table at grandma’s house while Arthur Fielder Boston Pops records played on a turntable or the excitement of anticipation waiting for that holiday special logo to appear on the network TV station. All those holiday traditions that once were so distant in our imaginations return instantly when the lights dim and the conductor’s wand raises. This day in Rutland was another reminder that old traditions can rekindle new memories, and we should take advantage of them when we can.
