Songs of the season

Tacoma Symphony, Tacoma Youth Chorus and guest vocalist James Cadell present holiday concert

By Bill Timnick on December 4, 2008

Tacoma Symphony continues its 2008-2009 season Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6 and 7, with the first of its series of pops music programs, Sounds of the Season, at the Pantages Theater.  The orchestra, led by Music Director Harvey Felder, is being joined by members of the Tacoma Youth Chorus as well as special guest artist singer James Caddell.



Caddell, who is also a noted recording artist, is known for his deep bass vocals. His voice has been heard in various television commercials.  He also has been seen locally in productions at ACT, Tacoma Opera, and at Seattle’s Group Theatre.  Among other numbers, guest vocalist Caddell’s entries include "You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch," the tune made famous in the animated classic by fellow bass Thurl Ravenscroft, the voice of Tony the Tiger.  Caddell also is set to perform "The Christmas Song," "O Holy Night," and "White Christmas."



The Tacoma Youth Chorus is an assemblage of eight choirs featuring local children ages 7 through 18.  There are more than 250 members, drawn from four counties, in the group, which was founded in 1991 by its director, Judith Herrington.  TYC’s contributions to the evening of holiday music include a medley of music by Haydn and Randall Johnson, the "Shepherd’s Pipe Carol," and "Candlelight Carol," among others.  The chorus will also lead a selection of sing-along carols and seasonal hymns.



The symphony will be busy throughout the concert performing traditional favorites such as "Deck the Halls," "Joy to the World," and "The First Noel" in classic arrangements by American composer and conductor Carmen Dragon.  Also on the orchestra’s menu is a waltz from Tchaikovsky’s "Sleeping Beauty."



[Pantages Theater, Saturday, Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 7, 2 p.m., $10-$75, 901 Broadway, Tacoma, 253.272.7264, www.tacomasymphony.org]