The North Shore Philharmonic Orchestra (NSPO) will once again assemble around the altar at St. Anthony’s Church for the Robert A. Marra Memorial “Sounds of Christmas” Concert Sunday, December 4, continuing a tradition that began in 1976. Admission to the concert is free in exchange for a generous donation of non-perishable food to benefit the Revere Food Pantry. Patrons are asked to bring their food in a sturdy box or bag. The concert begins at 4 p.m. The concert is principally sponsored by Bocchino Insurance Agency, Massport, East Boston Neighborhood Health Center, Xfinity, Astound Broadband, and Action Emergency Services.
The program includes a holiday essay written by Revere High School Senior Madison Lucchesi. A talented writer and poet, her poem “Salutary Neglect” was featured last year in EmersonWRITES, a creative writing program by the Office of Enrollment and Student Success and the First Year Writing program at Emerson College.
The concert is named in memory of Robert A. Marra Sr., a violinist who was one of the original members of the North Shore Philharmonic Orchestra in 1948. A lifelong resident of Revere, he was instrumental in beginning the Christmas concert tradition, and the concert was named in his honor after his death in 2002.
The North Shore Philharmonic Orchestra plays three classical music concerts each year at Swampscott High School. For more information and concert schedules visit www.nspo.org.
The program is as follows:
The North Shore
Philharmonic Orchestra
Robert Lehmann, Music Director
Malinda Haslett, soprano
Overture to The Gypsy Baron — JohannStrauss Jr., Gesu Bambino, Pietro Yon, arr. William Ryden, Malinda Haslett, soprano
Selections from “The Nutcracker” — Pyotr Tchaikovsky, March and Waltz of the Flowers
Alleluja from Exsultate Jubilate — Wolfgang Mozart, Ms. Haslett, soprano
An Original Christmas Essay — Madison Lucchesi, RHS Class of 2023
Polar Express Suite 6 — Alan Silvestri
Hanukkah Medley — Lucas Richman, Ms. Haslett, soprano
Carol of the Bells — Mykola Leontovich,
White Christmas — Irving Berlin, arr. Robert Russell Bennett, Ms. Haslett, soprano
Christmas Singalong — arr. John Finnegan, Ms. Haslett, soprano and the entire audience