Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra’s “Home for the Holidays” concert is an annual tradition for many people.
Ron and Kathy Brown had their first date at the concert 14 years ago, and they’ve been returning ever since.
“We come every year,” Ron Brown said. “We have to.”
They make it a double date with their friends, Jason and Karen Barnhart — it was Jason who introduced them.
“Home for the Holidays” returned to The Palace Theatre in Greensburg on Dec. 18, after being presented virtually in 2020.
Wearing a Santa hat and a big smile under his mask, WSO Executive Director Endy Reindl stood in the lobby, welcoming the crowd — and noted that just about as many people would be watching this year’s livestream as would be in the theater itself.
WSO Artistic Director Daniel Meyer took to the podium to conduct the orchestra in a program of hymns and carols and popular seasonal selections.
Pittsburgh Opera resident artist Madeline Ehlinger lent her rich soprano voice to “Rejoice Greatly O Daughter of Zion,” from Handel’s “Messiah,” and to the nostalgic classic “White Christmas.”
Also onstage were members of the All-Star Choir of Westmoreland County, featuring singers from Burrell, Belle Vernon Area, Greater Latrobe, Hempfield Area, Penn Trafford, Norwin and Yough high schools, under the direction of David Emanuelson, Hempfield vocal music director.
Audience members had the opportunity to fill the theater with their own voices during the singalong portion of the program, which included “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” “Silent Night” and “O Come All Ye Faithful.”
Following the closing number, “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” the audience rose to its feet to signal its appreciation for the much-beloved evening of holiday cheer.
Seen at The Palace: Tim and Diane Rennie, Theresa Kappel, Melanie Wood, Janine Pagano, George Shaner and Michael Philopena, Keith and Shirleah Kelly, Colleen Pickens, Milissa Bruce, Mary Kay Pavis, Jennifer Pavis, Clifford Walters III, Clifford Jr. and Lisa Walters, Wally Trynock, R.J. and Karen Dietrich, Robert Dietrich, Bob Errett, Fred and Trude Hayes, Ed Shephard and Karen Simeone.
