HERE WE GO A-CAROLING

0 Comments | Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Dec 21, 2007 | by MARK ARNEST

Since classical music is meant to educate as well as entertain, it would usually be a bad sign to have the conductor describe a symphony program as "a straight-ahead nobrainer."

But the situation is different this weekend, when the Colorado Springs Philharmonic -- joined by the Colorado Springs Chorale and the Colorado Springs Children's Chorale -- presents its annual Christmas concert.

"Just relax," said conductor Lawrence Leighton Smith.

The program features comfortingly familiar repertoire in glittering orchestrations. The music has been chosen to

please any taste: the Troika from Prokofiev's "Lieutenant Kije," "Greensleeves," selections from John Williams' music for "Home Alone," Tchaikovsky's "The Waltz of the Flowers" (in case you missed one of the city's numerous "Nutcracker" productions), Leroy Anderson's "Christmas Festival" and traditional carols.

And that's just the first half.

The second half begins with one of the Christmas carol suites by Robert Shaw and Robert Russell Bennett that have become staples of Christmas concerts.

"Then we get to the singalong," said Smith. "These are very English arrangements by David Willcox."

One of the English features: A soprano descant in the final verse, which creates a suitable climax. Smith included his favorite seasonal classic -- Mel Torme's "The Christmas Song."

"I loved Mel Torme," said Smith of the velvet-voiced balladeer. "I worked with him in Louisville. He was an absolutely brilliant guy."

After an arrangement by chorale assistant conductor Dan Brink and a performance by the philharmonic's own brass quintet, the concert will end with three choruses from Handel's "Messiah."

Or will it?

"Since people will be on their feet because of the 'Hallelujah Chorus,' I'm going to treat it as a standing ovation," said Smith. "So we're doing two encores: 'White Christmas' and Anderson's 'Sleigh Ride.'"

Some symphony directors have formulas for creating satisfying Christmas programs. Smith laughed at the idea.

"Formula? Are you kidding? I just make this up," he said.

But then he was serious, thanking chorale conductor Donald Jenkins, who suggested the Willcox arrangements, and Joseph Head, the orchestra's principal bass player and librarian.

"Joe's always very helpful," said Smith. "He sent me a nice list of things to try." details

The Colorado Springs Philharmonic, with the Colorado Springs Chorale and the Colorado Springs Children's Chorale, presents "Christmas Classics & Carols" When: 8 p.m. Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday Where: Pikes Peak Center, 190 S. Cascade Ave. Tickets: $26- $45; 520-7469 or www.csphilhar monic.org