Symphonic cheer will descend upon Merrillville’s Star Plaza Theatre when The Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra performs its annual “Holiday Pops!” concert at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7.
The guest vocalist will be Jesse Donner of Louisville, Ky. Donner said he is scheduled to sing a trio of pieces.
The tenor noted that they constitute a departure from his standard operatic repertoire, but assured “they’re all pieces I love.”
One of the works is Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” which will be done with choral accompaniment.
“It’ll be my first time performing this piece, but it’s been a lifelong favorite of mine,” Donner recently said.
His professional background includes numerous operatic engagements with Lyric Opera of Chicago.
The contribution Donner will make to the seasonal show in Merrillville is drawing praise from Kirk Muspratt, the Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra’s conductor and music director.
“I have admired Jesse’s artistry at the Lyric Opera for many years, and now have had the opportunity to work with him on several occasions,” Muspratt said in an email interview. “Not only does he have a huge and magnificent voice, but he absolutely connects with the audience for each piece that he sings. The audience is going to love him, I know.”
Donner — who is originally from Des Moines, Iowa — earned the grand prize in competition sponsored by the Chicago-born Bel Canto Foundation, which promotes Italian operatic repertoire.
Donner views his upcoming performance with the Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra as an opportunity to inspire and spread happiness during the holidays.
“I know that music has the power to uplift people,” the 29-year-old singer said. “You just never know how a piece of music can touch somebody. I hope that I can bring joy to a few people.”
There will be a bittersweet element to the night of festive fare, as the Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra performs its final concert at the Star Plaza Theatre.
“Holiday Pops!” will mark one of the last shows at the 38-year-old venue.
It is scheduled to be razed next year following December performances that culminate with the Oak Ridge Boys’ concert on Dec. 17.
Muspratt is acknowledging the theater’s end at his Dec. 7 show.
“The last piece on the program is going to be ‘Bless This House,’ as we all say goodbye to our Star Theatre for the very last time,” Muspratt said.
The night of memories and music also will feature the Northwest Indiana Symphony Chorus, the Hobart String Orchestra and the Crown Point High School Chorale, according to a press release from the orchestra.
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The release also states that regular attendees of the “Holiday Pops!” concert “know to keep an eye out for Santa.”
The yuletide music is scheduled to include “Frosty the Snowman,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”
A carol sing-along is planned.
The music will range from Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” to “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas.”
Promotional material notes that those attending the concert can bring nonperishable food items to benefit the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana.
Bob Kostanczuk is a freelance reporter with the Post-Tribune.
Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra’s ‘Holiday Pops!’
Where: Star Plaza Theatre, 8001 Delaware Place, Merrillville
When: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7
Tickets: $29-$69, students $10
Information: 219-836-0525; http://www.NISOrchestra.org