Cleveland Orchestra Gears Up for Holiday Concerts Starting This Week

CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Cleveland Orchestra is set to launch its highly anticipated annual Holiday Concerts this week, a series that demands months of meticulous planning. Guest conductor Sarah Hicks highlighted the extensive preparations, referring to the process as “Christmas in July,” underlining the intricate coordination required to deliver a seamless performance.

As the concerts draw near, the orchestra’s staff is finalizing a complex operation that involves numerous elements beyond just the music. The production encompasses lighting, amplification, and logistics, creating an event that stands out among festive programming across the country. “Clevelanders are very fortunate in this regard,” Hicks noted. “This is a very special tradition.”

Months of Planning for a Unique Experience

Planning for the Holiday Concerts initiates in early summer, where Lisa Wong, the director of choruses, collaborates closely with Hicks. Wong curates a year-round playlist of potential musical selections. For this year, the theme is “Home for the Holidays,” and the duo commissioned two new arrangements to enhance the program.

Once the musical selections are finalized, the focus shifts to lighting design. Working alongside production manager Ian Mercer, Hicks and Wong craft a specialized lighting plan for each piece, incorporating festive elements like snowflakes and candy canes. The logistics of lighting require both owned and rented equipment, with the installation taking several days to complete.

Severance Music Center, known for its acoustic excellence, presents unique challenges for amplification. Mercer explained that the venue wasn’t originally designed for such technology, complicating the setup of microphones and speakers. This year, the orchestra will require additional equipment for performances, including for the film “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and for the a cappella group Voctave, which features 11 vocalists.

A Coordinated Effort for a Memorable Event

The logistical challenges extend beyond technical setups. Wong is also tasked with assembling a unique choir for each of the 12 holiday performances, drawing singers from various local ensembles, including the Cleveland Orchestra Youth and Children’s Choruses and the Wooster Chorus. This year, she aims to create 12 balanced choirs, managing the schedules of around 300 singers while ensuring that each performance delivers a beautiful experience to the audience.

Backstage coordination is crucial during the holiday season, especially when accommodating soloists and special guests like Santa Claus. Mercer emphasized the importance of treating Santa with the same care as a featured soloist, ensuring that all technical needs are met, from microphone setup to audience interaction.

Despite the immense workload, both Hicks and Wong express their affection for the holiday season at Severance. Hicks remarked, “I’m sustained every holiday season by the thought that this is a time when people come together. For me, that’s so gratifying, to be able to provide that.”

The Holiday Concerts promise to be a vibrant celebration, showcasing the talent and dedication of the Cleveland Orchestra. With performances commencing on December 13, 2025, audiences can expect a magical experience filled with music, lights, and cherished holiday spirit.

Tickets for the concerts range from $49 to $165. For more information, visit clevelandorchestra.com or call 216-231-1111.