The Valley Symphony Orchestra is pleased to announce that its annual holiday concert A Touch of Frost will continue in 2020 amidst restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic. The Symphony will provide three ways for patrons in the Rio Grande Valley and beyond to enjoy this holiday tradition, made possible through support from Exclusive Concert Sponsor Frost and more.
On Wednesday, December 16 at 7:30 p.m., the Symphony will present its first live concert in more than 10 months. Tickets are on sale now for the A Touch of Frost Chamber Concert, a program of seasonal favorites to be performed by the VSO Holiday Brass Quintet at the Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle – National Shrine. Seating is extremely limited, and tickets may be purchased in advance only. This concert will enforce all health and safety protocols and social distance will be maintained at all times.
The 40-minute live concert of classic and jazzy holiday favorites will feature “Sleigh Ride,” “Feliz Navidad,” “Carol of the Bells,” “Joy to the World,” and more. The Holiday Brass Quintet members are Jared Broussard, first trumpet; Bryan Morrell, second trumpet; Barbara Keller, French horn; Benjamin Coy, trombone, and Scott Roeder, tuba. They are joined by percussionist Jorge Peña for the live concert.
On Friday, December 18 the VSO will premiere the online version on Facebook at www.facebook.com/valleysymphony at 7 p.m. For this concert, the Holiday Brass will be joined by VSO Harpist Delaine Leonard, who will perform the Interlude from Benjamin Britten’s “A Feast of Carols,” along with seasonal pieces such as “What Child is This?,” “We Three Kings,” and more.
Finally, on Sunday, December 20 KRGV Channel 5 will broadcast the digital concert once again for all to enjoy on television at 11:00 a.m.
“We are delighted to be bringing A Touch of Frost to the community this year, when we are all in need of some holiday cheer,” said Katy Coy, VSO Executive Director. “Now friends and family can plan to join us in whatever way is right for them and enjoy our beloved musical tradition in a year that has been anything but traditional.”
Tickets for the in-person December 16 Chamber Concert are on sale now at www.valleyorchestra.org. They can be purchased in advance only and patrons should note that all public health protocols, including mask wearing, will be followed at the event.
Photo 1: VSO Principal Harpist Delaine Leonard performs in A Touch of Frost, to be premiered online on December 18, 2020. Photo credit: Erika Sanchez Photography
Photo 2: VSO Co-Principal Trombonist Benjamin Coy performs in A Touch of Frost, to be performed live on December 16, 2020 and premiered online December 18, 2020. Photo credit: Erika Sanchez Photography