by S. Rotan Hale
“Music is a necessity,” said Roanoke Symphony Orchestra (RSO) music director/conductor David Stewart Wiley, who addressed the record crowd at the Holiday Pops concert held Friday, Dec. 4 at the Salem Civic Center.
The concert began with an unexpected tribute as Mayor David Bowers recognized Wiley as this year’s “Citizen of the Year.” Now in his 20th year with the orchestra, the acclaimed conductor has just signed on for 5 more years with RSO.
There are few things that match the sheer beauty of a huge choir singing in unison which was one of the major elements of this holiday spectacle.
A massive 200-voice joint choir was featured comprised of Roanoke Symphony Chorus members from Virginia Tech Choirs and the Roanoke Valley Children’s Choir all backed by a 100-piece orchestra.
Nothing sets the tone of Christmas like a healthy dose of traditional favorites as: “Joy to the World,” March of the Toys,” “The First Noel” and others that held the audience in a delightful and seasonal spell throughout the concert.
Highlighting the display was guest vocalist Adrienne Danrich a classically trained St. Louis native whose talents have graced venues throughout the nation. As an accomplished soprano, Danrich with her majestic voice, sent the affair over the top with a performance that was absolutely stunning.
Her delivery, strong and powerful, projected with remarkable clarity as she skillfully towered over the orchestrated crescendos that classically elevated the entire spirit of the celebration.
Judging by the applause, the audience was engrossed in every note she sang as during her dynamic performance of “My Favorite Things” from “The Sound of Music.”
“It was an incredible treasure to hear the voice of God,” coming through Danrich’s vocals,” commented Wiley, who considering his position, thoroughly appreciates such a virtuous performer. Back stage he explained how patiently Danrich worked with the children of the choir prior to the concert.
Another selection Danrich performed was the hauntingly beautiful “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” The song, not usually associated with Christmas, turned out to be one of the most mesmerizing moments of the night.
One patron Judy Newbern said she had “You’ll Never Walk Alone” inscribed on her husband’s wedding ring. Fortunately their marriage of over 49 years has lasted far longer than the ring that her husband lost only 4 years into the marriage. Nonetheless the song, connected deeply with Judy’s cherished memory and brought tears to her eyes.
As an added seasonal attraction, guitarist Mike Havens was featured as “Electric Santa” who pranced about the stage performing several high-energy selections as Mannheim Steamroller’s version of “Deck The Halls” which clearly showed the orchestra’s versatility and treatment of more modern renditions of seasonal classics.
Danrich joined Wiley, who added light vocal antics through a rip-roaring “Santa Clause is Coming to Town.” The audience joined in a sing-along of several spirited Christmas favorites and Wiley capped the show with an abbreviated encore of “Auld Lang Syne” as played in the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
Kudos to the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, Conductor David Stewart Wiley, guest vocalist Adrienne Danrich and to all contributors of this night of seasonal enrichment–that was itself a wonderful Christmas offering.
