The University of Mary Washington Philharmonic Orchestra makes its PBS debut in the holiday special “A Fiddler’s Holiday,” set to air on PBS stations across the country throughout the holiday season.
The concert, filmed during the Philharmonic’s 2011 holiday pops concert and produced by four-time Emmy winner Jim Brown, features the Jay Ungar and Molly Mason Family Band. During post-production this past spring, UMW Philharmonic Director Kevin Bartram pitched the show to the PBS, which approved the show for national distribution this Christmas.
“I told him that the show is about the acoustic fiddle traditions that Ungar is known for, family warmth and musical fun,” Bartram said. “They said yes to the project, and we look forward to seeing it air.”
The 60-minute special includes scenes of downtown Fredericksburg during the holidays, as well as footage of UMW and other historic sites. The program will air more than 200 times, including on the nation’s largest PBS affiliates. Locally, it aired on Richmond affiliate WCVE, Charlottesville affiliate WHTJ and Blue Ridge PBS on Sunday, Nov. 25. WETA in Washington, D.C., will air it on Wednesday, Dec. 5 at 10:30 p.m. and on Thursday, Dec. 6 at 3:30 p.m. The special also has aired internationally, as far away as Canada and Costa Rica. Beginning on Thursday, Nov. 29, DVDs and CDs of the program will be available at http://philharmonic.umw.edu/ or (540) 654-1324.
For a full list of show times, visit http://special.umw.edu. For information about the Friends of the Philharmonic or to purchase tickets for upcoming Philharmonic concerts, visit http://philharmonic.umw.edu/.
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News release prepared by: Brynn Boyer
Diane Geddings says
By chance was this event recorded? I would love to have a copy of it! The most beautiful music that I have heard in a while.
Brynn Boyer says
Diane — DVDs and CDs of the concert will be available for purchase starting this Thursday through http://philharmonic.umw.edu/ or (540) 654-1324.