Mickey Mouse making brooms come to life won’t be the only magic on display at the University of Mary Washington’s annual Holiday POPS concert, to be held at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, Dec. 2-3 in George Washington Hall, Dodd Auditorium.
In its 40th holiday performance, the UMW Philharmonic Orchestra hopes to mesmerize audiences, playing traditional yuletide melodies and several works from Disney’s “Fantasia” while showing the 1940 classic on a large screen in Dodd Auditorium.
“It’s going to be really fun for the audience,” Philharmonic Orchestra Conductor Kevin Bartram said. “It begins the holiday season in Fredericksburg.”
During the Friday show, the orchestra will give away free trips to Disney World to audience members. The giveaway, sponsored by Dream Travel Fredericksburg and The Walt Disney Company, includes airfare for four, and resort stay and park tickets for eight.
“This really is a rare concert, which is great for little kids and also great for adults,” Bartram said.
The orchestra, which has been practicing the show since late August, will play classics like “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice,” “Ave Maria,” “Nutcracker Suite” and Beethoven’s “The Pastoral Symphony,” all of which will be accompanied by the “Fantasia” screening. They also will enlist the audience’s help with several Christmas sing-along songs.
While the concert promises to charm its audience, the venue itself will be dressed to impress.
“This is the only time of year when we literally ‘deck the hall’,” Bartram said, regarding the auditorium holiday decorations. “It’s really beautiful to see.”
Before the Dec. 2 concert, families are invited to the auditorium from 5 to 6:15 p.m. for the annual Instrument Petting Zoo. Principal players of the orchestra will show children how to play the instruments and give demonstrations. The tradition also includes games and balloons for the children, and attendees are invited to stay for the concert afterward. Both the concert and the Instrument Petting Zoo are open to the public without charge.