Mayor Jimmy Harris reads to his daughters Cassie (left) and Calla (right). (Photo courtesy of Rob Travis.)
Transylvania County kicks off its holiday season with the Brevard Christmas and Twilight Tour downtown on Saturday, Dec. 6, and culminates in Brevard's hometown philharmonic's holiday concert Saturday, Dec. 18, at 7:30 pm at the Porter Center on the campus of Brevard College. Both events have become family holiday traditions.
Discount tickets for the Philharmonic's holiday concert are available during Twilight Tour with a special grand opening discount of $5 off the price of admission at the organization's new downtown location at 66 South Broad Street (at the corner of Broad and Jordan) between 5 and 9 p.m. only. After Twilight Tour, tickets can be purchased there at the normal $30 plus tax price.
The Philharmonic's open house will also feature the dynamic and colorfully costumed recorder trio, Camerata Antiqua, playing renaissance music mixed with traditional carols. Featured musicians are Rita Black, Sharon Hafner and Susan McCann. Food and libations will be served.
Earlier that afternoon the Brevard Philharmonic will roll out its musical float as part of the Christmas Parade beginning at 4 p.m. Local school children will join Philharmonic musicians playing their instruments, celebrating the float's theme, "I'm Dreaming of Becoming a Brevard Philharmonic Musician."
Those very same musicians will play during the much anticipated annual Brevard Philharmonic Holiday Concert Dec. 18. That evening's performance at the Porter Center will be packed with guest artists and surprises. Some highlights are the full orchestra playing carols and holiday standards, selections from the "Nutcracker Suite" performed by local dancers from Brevard Ballet School, directed by former member of the Charleston Ballet, Angie Wells, and, the reading of the classic 'The Night Before Christmas" by Brevard Mayor Jimmy Harris.
There will be a Christmas cookies and holiday refreshments reception after the performance. The concert is sponsored by Jacquelyn and Bruce Rogow.
The Brevard Philharmonic is a nonprofit organization comprised of local and regional musicians, presenting six concerts annually at Brevard College's Porter Center for the Performing Arts, under the distinguished baton of Donald Portnoy, its artistic director and conductor. Its mission is to foster in the community and in our schools an appreciation for classical music and the performing arts.
Tickets are on sale now for the Holiday Concert.
To purchase, visit brevardphilharmonic.org ., call (828) 884-4221, or stop into their new downtown office at 66 South Broad Street Mondays and Fridays
11 a.m. to 1 p.m ., Wednesdays 11 a.m. to 4 p.m ., and at the Twilight Tour open house, Saturday, Dec. 6, 5-9 p.m.
