Weekend's holiday events infused with tradition

Music, dance, ballet and a living Christmas tree are part of the local events that focus on the season this weekend.

It’s been almost a quarter of a century since the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra began its annual Clayton Holiday concerts. The 23rd concert year celebrates with the theme of “Angels Among Us;” performances at the Knoxville Civic Auditorium are 7:30 p.m. today, 3 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20.

Music will include “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” Silver Bells” and the always popular holiday sing-along. Tickets range from $12 to $43 for adults; children’s tickets are half that. Tickets are at the KSO box office, 865-291-3310 or www.knoxvillesymphony.com

This year, concert-goers are asked to bring donations like toys, Science Diet dry food and pop-top canned kitten, cat, dog and puppy food for the Young-Williams Animal Center. A complete wish list is at www.knoxpets.org.

Other events this weekend include:

Local dance company Circle Modern Dance presents its 18th annual “Modern Dance Primitive Light” at the historic and cozy Laurel Theater, 1513 Laurel Ave. The concert is an annual expression of dances that are created by choreographers, dancers and company member. This year 19 dancers will present 12 dances at 7 and 9 p.m. today Dec. 18, and Saturday, Dec. 19.

“Modern Dance Primitive Light” advance tickets at www.knoxtix.com are $13 general admission and $8.50 for members of the military, students and senior citizens. At the door, tickets are $15 and $10. Concert-goers should bring some pillows to sit on the floor of the theater. The dancers perform among the audience. The theater, once lit by candles for the concert, is now illuminated with soft, low lights.

Local faith-based dance company Ballet Gloria presents its annual Christmas concert “What Child is This? this weekend. Performances are 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, at the Pellissippi Performing Arts Center, Pellissippi State Community College off Hardin Valley Road. Tickets are $8.

“What Child is This? tells the Christmas story through dance. The 90-minute performance by 38 dancers is divided into two acts. The first includes six dances by members of the ballet junior company. The second act is “What Child is This?” performed to recorded music by the Dove Award-winning Christian music group Selah.

Sevier Heights Baptist Church’s annual Living Christmas Tree tells the story of Jesus at 3 and 7 p.m. Dec. 19 and Sunday, Dec. 20, and p.m. Monday, Dec. 21. The production uses Thompson-Boling Arena on the University of Tennessee campus and includes a cast of more than 300, a 60-member orchestra and live animals. The 247-member choir sits in the 49-foot-tall, light-decorated Christmas tree form. There is no admission charge but those attending must get a free ticket but calling 865-577-2937 or at the web site www.knoxtree.org.

© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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