Another Wonderful Christmas (for Full Orchestra)

Another Wonderful Christmas (for Full Orchestra)
Commissioned for the Southwest Symphony Orchestra, Palos Heights, IL
2025 – grade 4 - 5:15

COMING SOON!

The Southwest Symphony Orchestra was founded in the spring of 1964 by Alfred Aulwurm and Daniel Seyman in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Aulwurm was conductor until 1992 when David Crane was appointed Music Director. He became Music Director Emeritus in 2024. Brian Dollinger was selected as their new Music Director in 2025, and his first Christmas Concert with the Southwest Symphony Orchestra featured the first performance of this piece in their current performance venue, the Martin and Janet Ozinga Chapel on the campus of Trinity Christian College.

Tom Hawley and Tom Mantel commissioned this work to celebrate the 60 years of the Southwest  Symphony Orchestra and in honor of their three Music Directors.

When I was initially approached about this project, I was told that the orchestra frequently performed my arrangement entitled "A Most Wonderful Christmas." The request was to  write a "sequel" to that piece, using different tunes but employing a similar approach. Consequently, I selected three iconic and much-loved Christmas tunes, "Let it Snow," "Toyland," and "The Christmas Waltz." The setting features solos for numerous players and is written to allow the audience to experience the quintessential sounds and magical joy of the season.

This arrangement can be performed with the band transcription version, making this the perfect way to combine ensembles to conclude a holiday program!