The RHS Bands, Choirs and Orchestras infused the high school auditorium with holiday cheer as they performed their Winter “Mega” Concert on Tuesday, Dec. 3. This was the second year that the groups staged this type of “mega” concert, and like last year, it was a huge success.
“Each member’s contribution was invaluable, and together, we delivered a performance that will be remembered for years to come,” Band Director Michael Lichtenfeld said.
The RHS A Cappella Choir began the spectacle, singing “The Star-Spangled Banner,” “Silent Night” and “Dreidel Fa La La.” A Cappella clearly wowed audience members, as they erupted in applause at the end.
Next, RHS’s Symphonic Band performed a medley of arrangements consisting of “Celebrate the Season: Fanfare” on ‘Joy to the World,’ ” “The Old Castle” from “Pictures at an Exhibition,” “Hanukkah Dances” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”
After Symphonic Band, String Orchestra expertly executed classics such as “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, Mvt. 1–Allegro,” “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and “Hanukkah Habanera.”
The fourth group, Chamber Choir, sang “Barechu,” “White Christmas” and “Gaudete.” The Chamber Choir did a great job of captivating the audience with some emotive selections, performing the “Arietta,” gracefully harmonizing to “Send in the Clowns” and concluding with “Quartet No. 2 in A Minor, Op. 13.”
Next up was the Wind Ensemble, which included powerful pieces like “Toboggan,” “Amazing Grace” and “Winterscape.” The sound of each instrument filled the whole auditorium, holding the attention of the rapt audience.
The seventh group, Symphonic Choir, impeccably performed the classic works “Joy to the World” from “Noel: Night of Everlasting Love” and “Hallelujah Chorus” from “Messiah.”
As the night went on, the second to last group, Chamber Strings, focused on the compositions “Theme from Mission Impossible,” “Danse Macabre” and “Themes from Rite of Spring.” Overall, the orchestra imbued the music with remarkable emotional depth.
Finally, Symphonic Orchestra performed “Christmas at the Movies,” the “Wii Theme Medley” and “Silent Night” from “Noel: Night of Everlasting Love.” The audience cheered as this final orchestra of the night ramped up the holiday spirit with its choice of music, leaving all in attendance on a good note to wrap up the concert.
“I felt that our students performed magnificently at the Holiday Concert,” said Nicholas Fantazzi, music director of both the RHS Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Orchestra. “All the performing groups created a festive atmosphere for the audience.”
In all, this was a special night that showcased the talents of RHS musicians through nine different instrumental groups and displayed the incredible range of the Bands, Choirs and Orchestras. Based on the audience reception, the Winter “Mega” Concert helped get everyone in the mood for their holiday celebrations to come.
“It was an amazing night filled with many magical, musical moments that all performers should be very proud of,” said John DiEgidio, supervisor of the Visual and Performing Arts department at the high school.
