Christmas Candlelight Concert | Bach Society of Saint Louis
Whether you’re out caroling in the brisk winter air or catching the familiar strains of holiday classics while out and about, this time of year is filled with music. During the holidays, music helps us connect with family and friends and make cherished memories. St. Louis is home to many wonderful opportunities to celebrate the season through song. We spoke with the creative minds behind two beloved holiday concerts to learn more about what makes them so special.
A beloved St. Louis mainstay for more than seven decades, the Bach Society of Saint Louis’ Christmas Candlelight Concert was first held in 1951. Since then, it has been recognized by BBC Music Magazine as one of the top Christmas events in North America. “The concert has become a cherished tradition,” executive director Melissa Payton says. “One of the things that makes it special is the candlelight processional. The chorus goes out into the audience, singing and holding candles. It’s a very special way to hear your favorite Christmas carols.” The event’s rich history includes an exciting lineup of soloists, beginning with Dorothy Maynor and including local opera superstars like Beverly Sills and Christine Brewer. This year’s event will include soprano Josefien Stoppelenburg and mezzo-soprano Kate Tombaugh.
Creating a program for the Christmas Candlelight Concert is a challenge undertaken by music director and conductor A. Dennis Sparger. “I start planning for the next year pretty much the day after the concert,” he notes. The concert is anchored by a major piece that Sparger builds the rest of the musical lineup around. This year’s major work is Antonio Vivaldi’s “Gloria,” a piece never before performed by the Bach Society. The program also includes works such as David Mooney’s “Dublin Bells Carol,” “Carol of the Bells,” “Joy to the World” and the Welsh lullaby “Sou-gan.” “My goal is to take the audience on an interesting journey,” Sparger says. “The concert has serene moments of relaxation, as well as those that build to higher levels.”
The Christmas Candlelight Concert is usually held at Powell Hall. However, since the concert hall is undergoing renovations, it will be held at 560 Music Center. “This is our second year in the space, and it’s a much more intimate venue,” Payton notes. “It offers a personal experience where you can get up close with the chorus during the candlelight processional—there’s not a bad seat in the place.” Sparger adds, “We always include carols we can invite the audience to sing along with. It’s wonderful to have generations of families come together to celebrate the season through the power of music.”
12/17 & 12/18
560 Music Center | 7:30 p.m. | $25-$75
314.652.BACH (2224) | bachsociety.org
New Year’s Eve Celebration | St. Louis Symphony Orchestra
Christmas isn’t the only winter holiday St. Louis celebrates through music. The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra (SLSO) will help the StL ring in the new year in style. This year’s New Year’s Eve Celebration will be led by guest conductor Stephanie Childress. “The concert is an opportunity for everyone to reflect on the past year while looking forward to what’s ahead,” she says. “It’s a wonderful way to create collective memories through the power of music and art. The SLSO is an amazing orchestra, and this concert in particular is a unique opportunity to connect with the audience. What better way to celebrate New Year’s Eve than together?”
The New Year’s Eve Celebration is a homecoming of sorts for Childress. From 2020 to 2023, she served as an assistant conductor for the SLSO. During her tenure with the orchestra, she led numerous concerts and Youth Orchestra events. She’s excited for the opportunity to return to both the SLSO and St. Louis. “The city has a very special place in my heart—it’s where I got my start in the U.S., and I spent very formative years here,” she notes. “While I’m most looking forward to seeing the orchestra again, I’m also glad for the chance to revisit my old haunts and soak up the atmosphere of the community. I’m really delighted to have the opportunity to be back as guest conductor.”
The program for the New Year’s Eve Celebration is being kept a surprise for the audience. “It’s more fun that way,” Childress says. “It also gives me the opportunity to talk to the audience between each piece and act as emcee. They may not know the program beforehand, but I get to ensure they are still involved.” She adds that the concert is designed to trace her own personal journey since leaving St. Louis, from her roots in the U.K. and France to her current position as guest conductor at the Barcelona Symphony Orchestra. “I’ll even feature as a soloist for one piece,” she notes. “We have a lot of festive pieces planned, including familiar favorites. It’s going to be a whirlwind.”
12/31
Stifel Theatre | 7:30 p.m. | $47-$137
314.534.1700 | slso.org
