Columbia Excited for a Festive Return of “Home for the Holidays”
Columbia, South Carolina, get ready to deck the halls and jingle those bells! This year, the South Carolina Philharmonic is bringing back its beloved holiday concert, “Home for the Holidays,” to the Koger Center for the Arts. Mark your calendars for December 19th at 7 p.m., because you won’t want to miss this magical night of music and cheer!
Holiday Joy in the Air
Under the energetic direction of Morihiko Nakahara, the Philharmonic is all set to transform the Koger Center into a winter wonderland of entertainment. Last season’s inaugural concert was such a hit that the team knew they had to bring it back for a second round—and we’re all in for quite the treat!
Joining the orchestra for this festive performance will be an incredible lineup of talent, including vocalists CammWess, Cat Galan, Michael Hazin, and the amazing opera singer Johnnie Felder. But that’s not all! Expect dazzling dance performances from the Cola Rep Dance Co. and an uplifting segment featuring the Columbia Choral Society during the second act. And if that wasn’t enough, Santa Claus himself will be making a special appearance for all those last-minute wish lists!
A Celebration of Community
Director Chad Henderson has shared his excitement, calling this concert a true “salute to our community.” He noted, “Last year, we started out trying to create an exciting program of joyous music that would set performers up to shine with an orchestra. Once we got into the weeds, we realized we had created a multidisciplinary celebration of home.”
Without giving too much away, Henderson teased that this year’s concert will be full of surprises. “With this concert being so late in December, we are really focused on creating an evening for families and friends. A lot of folks are about to travel to other places at that time, and so many are returning home as well,” he said. “This concert is a great way to get into the spirit, and to be awed by the talent we have in the Midlands.”
Visual and Musical Extravaganza
And let’s not forget the visuals! Henderson has partnered with acclaimed lighting designer Marc Hurst to enhance the concert experience. “You’re going to get some epic musical experiences out of this one,” he mentioned enthusiastically. Just try not to be dazzled by the stunning light show combined with the uplifting music!
Grab Your Tickets!
If you’re feeling the holiday spirit already, now’s the time to grab your tickets! Prices range from $25 to $55, making it an affordable option for a festive outing with family and friends. You can purchase tickets through the Koger Center’s website or by calling their box office at (803) 251-2222.
Support from the Community
It’s also great to see local businesses stepping up to help make this concert happen. The performance is sponsored by M.B. Kahn Construction and First Horizon Bank. Additional support has come from grants from the City of Columbia H-Tax Grant Program, the Richland County H-Tax Grant Program, and the South Carolina Arts Commission, which benefits from funding from the National Endowment for the Arts and collaborates with other agencies to bring culture to the community.
Get Ready, Columbia!
So, mark your calendars and get ready for a show filled with joy, laughter, and holiday spirit! “Home for the Holidays” promises to be a heartwarming experience that will leave you feeling festive and bright. Let’s celebrate the magic of the season together, Columbia!
