The Sechelt Band Hall was packed full of audience and musicians last Sunday for the Sunshine Coast Community Orchestra’s Christmas Concert. It featured the Coast Symphony Orchestra with its newest conductor, José Cerón-Ortega (pictured). This was to be his first public appearance with them since taking over as conductor in September. The 37-member orchestra is dynamic – their powerful rendition of O Holy Night filled the hall with music and surely could have been heard all the way to Bethlehem. The Sunshine Coast Youth Orchestra, now under the direction of Sarah Poon since Kathleen Hovey’s retirement, showed their ability to play challenging music on Vivaldi’s Winter. The Coast Chamber Strings also performed and they were particularly lively on the Wassail Song. Tak Maeda, who leads the Suncoast Concert Band, was in fine form, hopping about on the podium in a lively version of a jazzy Jingle Bells and selections from Mary Poppins. Carol singing from the audience and a brief visit from Santa gave a festive air to a musically magnificent concert.
