The Woodlands Symphony Presents 'Donner And Blitzen' Annual Free Christmas Concert In The Woodlands

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- Conductor Darryl Bayer leads the Woodlands Symphony and guides the audience through a classical music journey of magical, thunderous classical compositions performed at lightning speeds. This year's completely new Christmas concert features concertmaster Alisa Pederson performing Vivaldi's Winter from The Four Seasons and WSO pianist Mihai Vatca in a US premier of Tsfassmann Jazz Suite for solo piano and orchestra. Enjoy the music of these talented musicians and 70 more on December 18th, 6:00 PM at The Woodlands First Baptist Church

Dr. Mihai Vatca is a Romanian national living in The Woodlands area and eagerly awaiting his US citizenship. He moved to America for education and performance opportunities in 2013 after winning multiple piano competitions across Europe. Dr. Vatca received his Masters Degree from Sam Houston State University and Doctorate from University of Houston being awarded the University of Houston Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for the Arts Fellowship to continue his studies. Mihai Vatca is now on faculty at Sam Houston and adored by his large following of students. Each Sunday, Mihai adds to the Music Worship at Christ Church United Methodist playing organ solos and accompanying the choir. Last year Dr. Vatca had the privilege to be selected as a distinguished Shigeru Kawai Artist and was also given the Kawai Medallion Educator award. .

The full orchestra will continue with classics such as Sleigh Ride, Halleluiah Chorus, a unique rendition of traditional Christmas music called Minor Alterations, Bach's Little Fugue set to original animation and David Weygandt, The Singing Lawyer, colorfully narrates T’was the Night Before Christmas. Also joining the Woodlands Symphony are members of the Woodlands Area Youth Symphony, the next generation of classical musicians sitting side-by-side with the professional and community players of the WSO.

Each holiday season The Woodlands Symphony presents an annual Christmas concert for the community giving thanks to all their supporters over the year. Audience members from previous free concerts donate so that others may attend this free concert and that audience gets to donate for the next free concert. It's The Woodlands Symphony's unique form of 'paying it forward' unlike any other symphony in the world. In order to limit seating to the first 1000, all attendees are required to register for their free tickets at Eventbrite.com. Don’t get left in the lobby. General admission to the auditorium with proof of registration only.