A Celebration of Holiday Spirit: Memories from the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus
As the holidays approach, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus (ASOC) gathers to celebrate a cherished tradition: the annual Christmas concert. For many members, this concert is not just a performance; it's a yearly celebration of the chorus' rich legacy and impact within Atlanta's community.
This year marks 54 years since the ASOC's debut performance during Beethoven's 9th Symphony, performed September 24, 1970.
It’s been 44 years since the Chorus made its national television debut with its Christmas program, then called, "Robert Shaw's Christmas Festival" (December 24, 1986). Now called "Christmas with the ASO", a few of our chorus members share what this annual tradition means to them.
The ASOC Sound
Nick Jones (bass), a seasoned member of 54 seasons, reflects on the evolution of Shaw's legacy in the concert. "We maintain the training that Robert Shaw gave us, emphasizing the unity of diction and intonation. The fact that we have 150 people on stage, but we can sound like a much smaller chorus, creates an intimate setting in Symphony Hall."
Creating Community in Song
Arietha Lockhart (soprano), a member for an impressive 41 seasons, shares her favorite part of the performance. “It’s always a joyous occasion to sing with our guests– Morehouse College, Atlanta Young Singers, Spivey Hall Children's Choir, and others.” Megan Littlepage (soprano) echoes this sentiment. Her highlight is the Morehouse College Glee Club's performances. She recalls, “The crowd goes absolutely wild” for these pieces. The excitement is palpable in Symphony Hall from classical work to festive carol.
David Hansen (bass), who joined the chorus in 1982, first sang with Robert Shaw in 1968 as a young high schooler during Shaw's first Atlanta performance of Bach's Christmas Oratorio. Hansen shares, "It was the broadcast of this concert which ultimately convinced me eight years out of college that, yes, I have to find the time to sing with this chorus. It was heavenly light through a speaker on a very small television."
Each holiday performance is a reminder of what creates and sustains a nurturing and vibrant musical community. Hansen reflects, “It’s about more than what happens in the room; it’s an outreach to the larger Atlanta community.”
The Magic of Participation
For many, the hallmark moment is Handel's epic "Hallelujah" chorus from Part II of Messiah. Tierney Breedlove (alto) describes the exhilarating atmosphere of the concert in this moment. “When everyone stands up and sings, it brings this huge holiday spirit for me where everyone can participate. It's truly my favorite." This moment transforms the concert into a communal celebration that fills the concert hall with joy.
Beth Freeman (alto) who has sung with the chorus for 22 seasons, reflects on the memories that come with such a long tenure. One moment stands out: her son’s debut at the concert. She recalls, “We strategically put him on the aisle, and he came running down in his little Christmas outfit and a big smile on his face, knowing the song ‘Farandole’ from Little Einsteins.” It's during unexpected moments of joy that Christmas with the ASO becomes a magical experience for every attendee.
Christmas with the ASO
For almost forty years, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus have invited concertgoers to celebrate the holiday season in Symphony Hall, and for many families, it marks the start of the festivities. "Christmas with the ASO, to me, starts the holiday season. It starts on a wonderfully joyous note," said Freeman.
It is a beloved tradition that may start your holiday season but also hopefully serves as a reminder of the power of music to bring people together. This year, as the chorus raises their voice in song, we thank our audience for being a part of these important celebrations for years to come.