Guest conductor and Galesburg native Maury Kohn said it was a dream to be asked to direct the Knox Galesburg Symphony’s Holiday Pops Concert. The annual show returns to the Orpheum Theatre stage December 8th and 9th. Kohn, who is studying conducting at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester New York says this year’s concert features a great variety. “A concert like this is a great introduction to the symphony because you’re going to hear a lot of music that you’ve heard before, we’re doing a lot of holiday favorites: “Do You Hear What I Hear?”, “Sleigh Ride”, “White Christmas” (and) music from the Polar Express,” Kohn said. “But (we’re also doing) some new stuff. I think the way to approach any kind of concert like this is to not feel like you have to have a certain type of reaction. There’s no “right way” to listen to music. There’s no “right time” to clap. Have fun and be moved because that’s what music is about.” Kohn adds that the show will feature medleys, carols, sing-a-longs, and several local solo vocalists. Avon native and Wichita State student Phil Lopez is the main soloist. Other local talent will be featured during the concert with Baron Lamb, Ellen Larson and Emilio Moreno singing solos. The show will also feature Bob Jurako reading “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” with an orchestra accompaniment. Shows are Saturday, December 8th at 7:00 pm and Sunday, December 9th at 3:00 pm. Tickets start at $20 and can be purchased online here.
