Cambridge Symphony Orchestra ready to light up the season

The Cambridge Symphony Orchestra is ready to celebrate the holidays with its first in-person event since the beginning of the pandemic.

Light Up the Season will be held on Dec. 9 at Tapestry Hall, in Cambridge.

“We’ve been in the dark this whole time without rehearsals or performances due to lockdowns,” said Mike Lawrie, chair of the Cambridge Symphony Orchestra.

“The Symphony Orchestra Board was always looking for opportunities. Once the government said events with proof of vaccination were allowed, we thought, let’s go for it!”

Light Up the Season features the Cambridge Symphony Orchestra with Quartetto Gelato, a Canadian classical crossover quartet based in Hamilton, Ontario.

The quartet’s musical repertoire consists of a mix of classical masterworks including tangos, gypsy, klezmer, jazz, and folk songs from around the world. They usually play without musical scores and their performances incorporate humour and dance.

“This event should be a lot of fun. Tapestry Hall is a wonderful new venue which can accommodate 800 people,” Lawrie said, “and the VIP option offers something a little extra special.”

VIP tickets include a gourmet three-course meal with a wine pairing, plus premium seating and a meet and greet after the show.

“The Symphony Orchestra usually performs at churches and fundraisers held at Cambridge City Hall. This is a wonderful way to celebrate the holidays with a gala, fundraiser, and get-together for everyone,” Lawrie said.

Light Up the Season offers an opportunity to experience the power of the local symphony, something many have missed during the pandemic.

“We did hold three online concerts during the pandemic,” Lawrie says.

But for Lawrie, nothing compares to live performances.

“We’ve just held our first rehearsal, and another is coming up. Everyone was so excited to see each other. There has been a lot of elbow and fist pumping going on.”

The Cambridge Symphony Orchestra held its first full inaugural concert in 2005, at the Toyota Room, Cambridge Centre for the Arts.

Since then, along with professional musical director Sabatino Vacca, the orchestra has continued to flourish with new musicians joining the symphony.

“We have so much talent in this group,” Lawrie said.

“And we are so excited about this event. Safety is first and foremost, but we really hope people come out and enjoy. We have been in the dark for a very long time.”

The Cambridge Symphony Orchestra will be holding three more concerts between January and June in the new year.

“We are really looking forward to this event. We are ready to Light Up the Season.”

Tickets for Light up the Season are available at tapestryhall.ca