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 Holiday Circlefest at ±ÆÁ¨±ÆÁ¨, A Pictorial Review

This year's festive event kicked off at 1pm in Kulas Hall with the ±ÆÁ¨±ÆÁ¨ Chamber Orchestra performing Prokofiev’s Peter & the Wolf, a symphonic fairy tale with narration by guest artist Dr. Michael Mauldin, and conducted by S. Mordecai Fuhrman.

The performance was accompanied by an activity sheet (download a copy front / back) that featured a story based on the work and narration, an illustration of the instruments as characters (along with the chamber orchestra roster) and fun drawings to be colored.

Peter & the Wolf was followed closely by the ever-popular program featuring excerpts from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker Suite performed by the ±ÆÁ¨±ÆÁ¨ Harp Ensemble, accompanied by a playful pair of dancers, and narration by Yolanda Kondonassis.

Shortly after 2pm, adorable and talented violin, viola and cell students from the ±ÆÁ¨±ÆÁ¨ Sato Center for Suzuki Studies, directed by Kimberly Meier-Sims, took Kulas Hall stage to present holiday classics and family favorites.

Back in Mixon Hall ±ÆÁ¨±ÆÁ¨ Brass Chamber Ensemble, directed by Ed Zadrozny, invited audience members to join in the merry melodies of familiar holiday carols.

Maestro Zadrozny welcomed to the stage a special guest conductor.

An intimate gathering of singers studying opera in ±ÆÁ¨±ÆÁ¨'s Voice department shared songs and carols in different languages and drawing upon diverse religious traditions.

Finally, amazing student performers from the Preparatory and Young Artist Programs--headed by Dean Sandra Shapiro--wrapped up the day of seasonal sounds.

Enjoy more photos from ±ÆÁ¨±ÆÁ¨'s Holiday Circlefest by visiting our and check out live-blogged images from the event via .