Second annual ‘Southern California Christmas’ incorporates Nutcracker, singalong and a lot of holiday cheer
By Brooklynn Wong
Chapman University’s Musco Center began, last year, bringing together local ballet companies, and choral and instrumental groups to create an extravaganza called “A Southern California Christmas,” and by this, its second year, it has already become a community favorite.
On Sunday, Dec. 16, the house was full as this year’s rendition got underway.
The Musco stage, which serves as a lesser-known stronghold of the arts in Orange County, was beautifully decorated, with Christmas trees, lights and a giant bow hanging across the rafters.
Producer Richard T. Bryant greeted the audience, explaining that the intent of these shows is to bring the community together, as it incorporates over 150 performers from across the county and draws holiday revelers from all across Southern California to gather in Musco’s elegant entertainment hall and be filled with the holiday spirit.
And what followed was an evening of song after song by combinations of the Orange Community Master Chorale, Southern California Brass Consortium, and Southern California’s Children’s Chorus, interspersed with appearances by Anaheim Ballet.
A special guest also was Daniel Emmet, a Chapman alumnus who appeared on “America’s Got Talent” this year, singing in the season finale with Placido Domingo. Emmet sang a powerful rendition of “What Child is This?” that drew uproarious applause.
Orange Community Master Chorale is an adult choir made up of approximately 80 members, directed by Chapman alumnus Michael Short.
The Southern California Brass Consortium is an impressive 26-member group.
And the Southern California Children’s Chorus is a celebrated group of 5-20 year olds that has made appearances at Carnegie Hall, Westminster Abbey and on an ESPN special.
Children’s Chorus member Leo Choi appearing as a soloist on “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” was a show highlight.
And Anaheim Ballet, the city’s resident ballet company, pitched in with several of its young dancers, who performed selections from “The Nutcracker,” evoking all the wondrous spectacle of that classic.
And for five songs, the house lights came up and the audience was invited to sing along.
Altogether, the show made for a beautiful celebration of both Christmas and local talent, and the grand spectacle of big choirs, brass, and the ballet, made for both a peaceful step away from the Christmas rush, and a well-spent evening at the theatre.