This year Coastal Empire music lovers will have three chances to enjoy the Savannah Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus’s beloved annual Holiday Pops concert. In response to popular demand and following the successful expansion of the program last year, two full shows are slated for 7:30 p.m. Friday Dec. 7 and Saturday, Dec. 8, as well as a Family Matinee on Saturday, Dec. 8 at 3:00 p.m. These high-energy, fun-filled performances, held at the Johnny Mercer Theatre, provide Savannah residents and visitors alike with the perfect opportunity to enjoy the sounds of the season.

The concerts will feature old and new musical favorites for everyone, including traditional tunes, sing-along melodies and holiday classics. The stunning, American Traditions Vocal Competition’s 2018 Gold Medalist, Erica Gabriel, will perform as a guest soloist with the chorus during all three shows. At the 3 p.m. Family Matinee on Saturday, the Savannah Children’s Choir will also make a guest appearance. This one-hour show is perfect for families with young children and other patrons who appreciate the convenience of an abbreviated performance.

Savannah Philharmonic Conductor and Artistic Director, Peter Shannon, is looking forward to celebrating the season with this annual, holiday event.

“We are delighted as always to bring the full orchestra and chorus together for all of your Christmas favorites. The evening Holiday concerts always have an added extra because we have the American Traditions competition Gold medal winner as our featured soloist. In the one hour, afternoon children’s concert I get to play Santa Claus by inviting the kids up on stage to conduct! Just those smiles and sights alone make the Holiday concerts one of my favorites in the Philharmonic season!”

Savannah Philharmonic Chorus Master, Dr. Matt Caine commented "I am excited to be a part of this Savannah tradition especially as this is my first season leading the talented and dedicated Chorus.  The holidays are such a special time for families and we are preparing some favorite selections with one or two surprises.”

The evening concerts provide a wonderful way to cap off a day of holiday merriment in beautiful downtown Savannah. Patrons can spend an afternoon browsing in quaint shops on festively decorated Broughton Street, enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the historic district’s many local restaurants, then head to the Johnny Mercer Theatre for a joyous evening of classic holiday tunes, courtesy of Savannah’s own Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus.

These concerts are also a great idea for company celebrations and for employers to demonstrate to their employees how much their contributions are appreciated. Corporate ticket packages of 10 receive a discount of 25% and are available at www.savannahboxoffice.com.

Tickets can also be purchased by visiting www.savannahphilharmonic.org/event/holiday-pops. Tickets for the evening performance cost $25-$80. Tickets for the Saturday matinee are $15 each, with general seating.