A Northern Illinois tradition, the Rockford Symphony Orchestra presents two performances of the 2008 Holiday Pops in the beautiful Coronado Theatre in downtown Rockford on Saturday, December 20, at 7:30 p.m. and a matinee on Sunday, December 21, at 3 p.m.

Joining Maestro Steven Larsen for this premiere holiday performance is the Mendelssohn Chorale, led by Ms. Martha Bein, and the Agape Ringers, Chicago’s premier handbell ensemble.  The addition of these outstanding performers promises a performance filled with musical memories for the holidays.

The concert will feature of wonderful blend of dozens of sacred and traditional holiday melodies including Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas, We Three Kings, Sleighride, as well as a selection of holiday favorites for the audience to sing along.

A brass ensemble from the Rockford Symphony Youth Orchestra (RSYO) will perform beloved holiday tunes for 30 minutes before each of the Holiday Pops concerts in the lobby of the Coronado Theatre.  The RSYO performs under the direction of conductor Alison Gaines. Ms. Gaines is in her third year as the youth symphony conductor and serves as principal bass in the RSO.

Tickets for this concert are available on the web at www.rockfordsymphony.com or by calling the Rockford Symphony Orchestra Box Office at (815) 965-0049.  Ticket prices range from $20 to $54.

The Holiday Pops concert is part of the Rockford Health System Pops Series and is graciously sponsored by Amcore Bank.