Saturday night's Norwalk Symphony Orchestra "Messiah Sing-Along and Holiday Extravaganza," led by conductor and musical director, Jonathan Yates, benefitted from a full house at Norwalk Concert Hall. The audience included Mayor Rilling and State Senator Bob Duff, who had his own musical surprise up his sleeve.
Santa and Mrs. Claus, aka Rick and Joan Setti, greeted families in the foyer before the program and patiently listened to Christmas wish lists from the youngest in the crowd.
After a gracious welcome from NSO President Emil Albanese, who was accompanied on stage by his son Andre, Yates encouraged participation from the audience, who did not disappoint.
Yates, whose smile was bright and whose energy was contagious, introduced the orchestra and Amelia Watkins (Soprano), Leanne Gonzalez-Singer (Singer-Alto), Thomas Young (Tenor), and Michael Rice (Bass-Baritone).
Serendipity Chorale members, with their red sashes, helped spread enthusiasm among the singing members of the audience.
Pivot Ministries Men's Choir, Directed by DeWitt Harmon, got knees bouncing and shoulders swaying. Pivot Ministries mission is to treat drug and alcohol addiction as a spiritual problem and use music as an integral component to recovery.
Check back with Patch on Monday additional coverage of Saturday's Messiah Sing-Along and Holiday Extravaganza. In the meantime "Like" the NSO Facebook page.
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