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)