DECEMBER 7th
6:30PM
Church on a Hill, Lilburn
LSO'S ANNUAL HOLIDAY CONCERT
Celebrate the spirit of the season with the Lawrenceville Symphony Orchestra and Chorus as we present a joyful evening of music that has inspired generations. This special holiday concert brings together two of the most timeless works in classical repertoire—Handel’s Messiah and Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite—performed by our talented musicians and guest vocalists in the intimate, acoustically rich setting of Church on a Hill.
Selections from the "Nutcracker" Suite
The first half of the program will feature beloved selections from The Nutcracker Suite, filled with Tchaikovsky’s unmistakable color and charm. Composed in 1892, The Nutcracker was originally written as a full-length ballet based on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s fantastical story The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. Although the ballet’s debut in St. Petersburg received mixed reviews, Tchaikovsky’s orchestral suite—featuring highlights such as the sparkling “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy,” the lively “Russian Trepak,” and the sweeping “Waltz of the Flowers”—quickly became an international sensation.
With its shimmering orchestration, vivid character dances, and timeless melodies, The Nutcracker Suite captures the magic, nostalgia, and wonder of the holiday season like no other work. Today, it remains one of the most frequently performed and universally beloved pieces in the classical repertoire—an enduring symbol of holiday joy and imagination.
Handel's Messiah
The second half of the concert will feature selections from George Frideric Handel’s Messiah, one of the most celebrated and enduring choral masterpieces ever written. Composed in just 24 days in 1741, Messiah premiered in Dublin the following year to tremendous acclaim. Its rich orchestration, radiant choruses, and deeply moving arias have inspired audiences for nearly three centuries.
Though originally written for Easter, Messiah has become a cherished part of the Christmas season, with the triumphant “Hallelujah” chorus standing as one of the most recognizable works in all of Western music. From moments of serene reflection to rousing expressions of joy, Handel’s music captures the spiritual and emotional depth of the season—uniting singers and listeners alike in celebration.
