
Holiday Spectacular
Saturday, December 6, 2025
3:00 PM
Garde Arts Center, New London
This heartwarming concert promises something for everyone—familiar tunes, classical brilliance, and the shared joy of holiday music.
The concert opens with Rimsky-Korsakov’s Polonaise from Christmas Eve—a lively and colorful dance from a rarely performed Russian opera that conjures the mystery and magic of winter. From there, we move to the grandeur of Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus, a stirring and timeless tradition from Messiah.
We will then enjoy selections from Tchaikovsky’s beloved Nutcracker Suite, featuring sparkling orchestral scenes from the classic Christmas ballet. From the big screen, John Williams’s Three Holiday Songs from Home Alone bring warmth and wonder, while Dimitri Tiomkin’s It’s a Wonderful Life Suite recalls the nostalgic magic of the iconic film.
ECSO will also honor the Holidays with a spirited Hanukkah Medley, arranged by Don Wendel and filled with vibrant traditional melodies.Broadway vocalist Christopher Faison joins the orchestra to perform timeless holiday favorites, including Irving Berlin’s dreamy White Christmas, a festive Christmas Sing-a-Long for all ages, and Leroy Anderson’s ever-popular Sleigh Ride.
You can subscribe today to lock in discounts, complimentary vouchers, and the same seats for each concert. The order form is available here, or you can call the ECSO office at 860-443-2876 to discuss seating options.
The Program
Rimsky Korsakov
Polonaise from Christmas Eve
Handel
Hallelujah Chorus from the Messiah
Tchaikovsky
Selections from the Nutcracker Suite
Williams
Three Holiday Songs from Home Alone
Tiomkin
It’s a Wonderful Life Suite
Wendel
Hanukkah Medley
Berlin/Bennett
White Christmas
Christopher Faison, Vocalist
Finnegan
Christmas Sing-a-Long
Christopher Faison, Vocalist
Anderson
Sleigh Ride
Christopher Faison, Vocalist
