Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s much-loved family Christmas concerts are back and this year will be full of cheeky mischief, much merriment, and of course, marvellous music.
Symphonic Santa concerts will take place on Saturday 11 December at 11am and 1.30pm in the Queensland Symphony Orchestra Studio, with tickets on sale now.
Written, composed, and arranged by the Orchestra’s Craig Allister Young, Symphonic Santa tells the story of Sneezy the Reindeer and Izzy the Elf, who help Santa and Mrs Claus get ready for Christmas. A special treat for ears young and old alike will be new works from Young and Brisbane-based, award-winning songwriter Donna Dyson, including Sneezy the Reindeer, Santa Boogie Woogie, Santa’s Christmas Cake and I Won’t Believe it’s Christmas.
“I’ve been co-writing with Donna Dyson for four years. We both love telling stories through our music and it’s so much fun bringing new characters to life in fun, catchy songs. When we started I made sure most of our songs included real instruments from all sections of the orchestra as a way to introduce kids to the amazing colours of a symphony orchestra,” Mr Young said.
Also joining the musical line-up are festive favourites like Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Jingle Bells, Silent Night and Trepak from The Nutcracker.
Audiences can expect some new special surprises from Symphonic Santa in 2021, including a focus on the festive season in the summer.
“I’ve done a bit of a rewrite this year because we’ve been busy writing more songs that fit into the story perfectly. We have a few more songs the kids can dance and sing along to, plus a special song all about Christmas in Australia called Santa in the Sun,” Mr Young said.
“There are two words that always come to mind when I think of Christmas – ‘magic’ and ‘family’. It’s the one time of year that we all manage to get together, and enjoy the season. Actually there’s a third thing: food. Lots and lots of food!”
Symphonic Santa is a terrific way to introduce young children to orchestral instruments and the fun of live music, while also being the perfect way to begin the celebration of the festive season, Mr Young said.
SYMPHONIC SANTA
Saturday, 11 December at 11am, and 1.30pm
Queensland Symphony Orchestra Studio, 114 Grey St, South Brisbane
TICKETS available at qso.com.au/santa
Admission $49
Child $30 (Free on the knee for under 18 months)
Student $30
