Holiday Pops Concert Presents Christmas Music With Meaning

It's a comment from Scott Master Arkenberg has heard over and over and over again.

"People tell me they came to Holiday Pops Christmas because they wanted to find again," he says, his voice breaking the silence that immediately followed the sentence. “And I suppose, in a way, helps me find Christmas, too.”



Because the first occasion Holiday Pops concert in 2001, Arkenberg was going through a pain that all inevitably go through. His father and mother had both died that year; using song to work through his pain got him yet.

But now, 12 years later, he cannot hear the melody of "Silent Night” and the haunting sound of the English horn without remembering the disappointing first day. "We played “Silent Night "in his honor," he says quietly Arkenbreg.”Music joins the heart and soul all year, but especially during the holidays. "

Among the lyrics of songs sung on the night of December 7 at the annual Holiday Pops concert Chicago is an undeniable emotion that we all feel, even in this high tech world full sterile condition.

"Last Sunday, we were practicing one of the songs, but we had trouble getting the feeling behind the words," explains Joe Aschenbrenner, an optometrist by day works as a singer in the choir Holiday Pops. "Master Arkenberg finished telling us a story about how, as a child, he was under the Christmas tree and look up at all the lights, and it was a magical experience it was. I mean immediately could relate to the history because all have done, too. With those memories behind the lyrics of a song, there is no way to sing without a ton of feeling behind it. "

" For seven weeks singing a community comes together to blend their voices in song," Arkenberg added.” They are all so different, yet so similar in many respects. "

This distinctive blend of voices is truly unique, especially since there is no formal process for hearing Chorus Holiday Pops. Anyone can join regardless of age or religious background or vocal talent. However, you can be sure; the whole forming the choir is a specialized group. The evening will also include the stunning vocal talents of media personalities from Chicago, as Stefan Holt, Anthony Ponce and Maryann Ahern. “We are just normal people who meet once a year to sing our hearts," adds Arkenberg.

Sing - and play with all your heart, that is. Because the 80 voices that make up the Chorus Holiday Pops will also join the 47 -piece Symphony Orchestra tonight at Southport in particular. The evening will also include two pieces of music organized by the founder of “Straight No Chaser" and WGN- TV reporter / anchor Dan Ponce, and Emceeing talents NBC 5 reporter / anchor Rob Elgas.

“St. Michael in Old Town is very excited to welcome new Holiday Pops Chicago this year," the father says. Tom Papa, the pastor of the church. “The beautiful choral music combined with the orchestra, located in our sacred space is a great way to start the Christmas season.”