RELEASE: The Physicians Mutual Omaha Symphony Christmas Celebration Returns!
Omaha’s favorite holiday tradition returns to the Holland Center with Broadway stars in tow
Maestro Ernest Richardson leads the Omaha Symphony in holiday favorites
2021 highlights the joy of celebrating together for Christmas again
OMAHA, Neb., Dec. 1, 2021—After 2020’s broadcast-only performance, the Physicians Mutual Omaha Symphony Christmas Celebration returns to live performances at the Holland Performing Arts Center! Audiences are invited to celebrate the holiday season with Omaha’s favorite end-of-year tradition and annual orchestral extravaganza opening Dec. 16 with six performances through Dec. 19.
Led by Resident and Principal Pops Conductor Ernest Richardson and directed by choreographer Parker Esse, the Omaha Symphony’s 2021 Christmas Celebration will feature a stellar cast of eight Broadway singers and dancers, a 68-piece orchestra, Résonance vocal ensemble, charming stories, holiday classics and contemporary Christmas favorites with Broadway arrangements and choreography.
“We’re so pleased to be bringing this one-of-a-kind show back to the stage for live audiences after last year’s hiatus,” said Omaha Symphony President and CEO Jennifer Boomgaarden Daoud. “It’s such a special tradition for so much of our community, and we’re proud to showcase this city’s wonderful orchestra alongside some of Broadway’s greatest talent. The Omaha Symphony is thrilled to be part of so many holiday celebrations across the metro!”
Beloved Christmas classics and favorites included in this year’s program are carols such as “Deck the Halls,” “The First Noel” and “O Holy Night;” film favorites like “Happy Holidays,” “the Holiday Season” and “Run, Run Rudolf;” nostalgic hits like “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” “Let It Snow,” “Jingle Bells” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” The program also includes a feature for Omaha Symphony Concertmaster Susanna Perry Gilmore and returning singer Tiffany Haas as well as several orchestral ensemble features.
“There’s really something for everyone in this show,” said Omaha Symphony Concertmaster Susanna Perry Gilmore. “There are the big Broadway classics with singing and dancing as well as the traditional carols everyone will know and recognize – not only will the performances be packed with joy and celebration, but there will also be moments of deep beauty and reflection in the softer tunes we love during this time of year.”
Performance Details:
7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16
7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 17
2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18
7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18
2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 19
7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 19
Holland Performing Arts Center Peter Kiewit Concert Hall
Ernest Richardson, conductor
Parker Esse, director
The cast includes eight Broadway singers, dancers and actors: Will Burton, Hannah Corneau, Alan H. Green, Jay Armstrong Johnson, Shina Morris, Hayley Podschun and returning company members Tiffany Haas and Justin Prescott. Also featured is the local Omaha premiere vocal ensemble Résonance as well as Anne Nagosky’s violin studio.
Ticketing Information
Tickets for the Physicians Mutual Omaha Symphony Christmas Celebration start at $20. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.omahasymphony.org, through the Ticket Omaha app, or by calling Ticket Omaha at 402.345.0606. Student rush tickets are $10 and can be purchased one hour before the performance. Best availability is 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 19. Best prices available 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 19. Availability is limited at the 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 19 performances.
Performance dates are subject to change. In the event of performance changes or cancellations, the Omaha Symphony will email ticket holders to inform them of new dates and ticketing options. Patrons with questions may email ticketomaha@o-pa.org. The Omaha Symphony also regularly posts performance updates at omahasymphony.org, along with the Omaha Symphony’s Twitter, Facebook and Instagram pages. Patrons can sign up for the latest updates at omahasymphony.org.
Public Health Information
The safety of our patrons, musicians, staff and community is the Omaha Symphony’s priority. The Omaha Symphony continues to work closely with the Douglas County Department of Health and our partners at Omaha Performing Arts and UNMC to ensure the safety of all involved in the Omaha Symphony’s return to live performances. All patrons will be required to complete a health screening questionnaire prior to accessing their mobile tickets via the Ticket Omaha app. Masks are required at indoor Omaha Symphony performances. The following changes have been implemented within the venue:
- Enhanced Cleaning & Sanitation - Electrostatic technology disinfecting large common areas, enhanced sanitizing of high touch surfaces with hospital grade disinfectant and hand sanitizing stations throughout the venue.
- Heating and Cooling System – Upgrades to air handling units includes bipolar ionization filtering out viruses through ventilation.
- Staff and Patron Precautions – Staff, volunteers and patrons are required to wear face coverings regardless of vaccination status.
- Touchless Experience – Tickets are accessible via the Ticket Omaha app. Tickets can also be printed at Will Call by request. Program notes will be delivered digitally.
Find the most up-to-date public health information at omahasymphony.org/public-health.
Concert attendees are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to the Holland Center during the month of December for the Food Bank for the Heartland to support Conagra Brands’ Shine the Light on Hunger campaign.
This performance is sponsored by Physicians Mutual, Immanuel Communities, Star 104.5, Children’s Hospital & Medical Center, ConAgra Brands Foundation, Residence Inn by Marriott, Pinnacle Bank and the Robert H. Storz Foundation.
The Omaha Symphony is a non-profit organization that presents more than 100 live orchestral performances from September through June. In addition to Masterworks, Symphony Pops, Symphony Rocks, Movies, Symphony Joslyn, and Family series concerts, the Omaha Symphony’s nationally recognized education and community engagement programs touch the lives of more than 40,000 people each year. For tickets or information regarding the Omaha Symphony, call 402-345-0606 or visit omahasymphony.org. Programs, artists, dates, times, prices, and availability are subject to change.
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