This weekend’s Candlelight Concert was traditional, rousing, haunting, majestic, brassy and inspiring.
It always is.
Arriving for the show.
For 84 years, the Staples High School Music Department has offered this gift to the town.
A variety of choirs, orchestras and bands perform. Their selections are well-known and obscure. They are classical and contemporary; American, European and African.
It takes a tremendous amount of practice, preparation and care, by hundreds of talented musicians, their committed and caring teachers, and many others who work hard behind the scenes.
Volunteers festoon the lobby with festive touches.
From the unique “Sing We Noel” processional to the alumni-filled “Hallelujah Chorus,” the Candlelight Concert is Westport’s way of celebrating the season.
Not everyone could get tickets to the 3 shows. But today, thanks to Lynn Untermeyer Miller’s brilliant photography, we all can bask in its glow.
As she has for decades, Alice Addicks greets concert-goers.
Lauren Pine rehearses her choir an hour before showtime.
The audience settles in.
“Sing We Noel” processional.
Orchestra director Jeri Brima.
Ludovit Pauliny takes a bow, after soloing on “Danse Bacchanale.”
One part of the lighter “Wreck the Halls” …
… and another.
From left: Band director Kevin Mazzarella (in his Candlelight debut), orchestra directors Carrie Mascaro and Jen Brima, and assistant band director Caitlin Serpliss acknowledge applause.
(All photos/copyright Lynn Untermeyer Miller)
BRAVO!!!!!!!!!BRAVO!!!!!!!!!!
Every winter, the Westport Elementary Schools go to see candlelight. This year, it’s on Tuesday December 17th. The combination of the sweet voices, bone-chilling music, and spectacular traditions, really makes this one of the best Holiday concerts in the New England Region. ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
What a show! This was my first year as a parent of a performer, a member of the Orphenians, which made this extra special.
“Ave Maria” was so beautiful!
The Oboe solo, the “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” with first chair flute and violinist – amazing!
Thank you, Dan, as always, for your love and support of the Staples Performing Arts!
Friday, December 13, was National Violin Day!
It was also St. Lucia Day for us Swedes. Friday the 13th, figures.
It’s been 62 years since I sang in the Candlelight Concert but I still know my part and all the words to Sing We Noel. What a great memory and tradition.