In addition to its regular season programming, Symphoria has lined up four special-event concerts this winter: three with a holiday theme and a January journey to Hogwarts. These events feature Central New York’s professional orchestra, but they are not included in season ticket packages and require individual purchases.
Three events are scheduled at the Landmark Theater, 362 S. Salina St., and those tickets must be purchased through Ticketmaster. Prices include fees but not tax and vary depending upon the event and seating choices; questions should be addressed directly to the Landmark at 315-475-7979. Tickets for the fourth, to be held at the Church of the Most Holy Rosary, 111 Roberts Ave., are available through Symphoria’s website or at 315-299-5598.
Special-event concerts are:
ELF IN CONCERT
Nov. 24 at 7 p.m.
Will Ferrell’s 2003 film portrayal of Buddy, the gigantic elf raised at the North Pole, will play on the big screen at the Landmark Theater as Symphoria musicians provide the score in a live performance. The hit comedy also stars James Caan, Zooey Deschanel, Mary Steenburgen, Ed Asner, and Bob Newhart. A guest artist will conduct.
Ticketmaster prices are from $53 to $107. Run time is two hours with one intermission.
MESSIAH
Dec. 2 at 8 p.m.
Symphoria will be joined by the Syracuse University Oratorio Society, directed by John Warren, professor of music and director of choral activities at Syracuse University’s Setnor School of Music. Guest artist Thomas Hong will conduct this annual event. Soloists will be Sara Shafer, soprano; Vivien Shotwell, alto; Dominick Corbacio, tenor, and Steven Stull, baritone.
Handel’s “Messiah” was first performed in Ireland during Easter season in 1742 and remained a Lenten church concert for orchestra, chorus and four soloists until, during the Victorian era, it began to be offered during Advent. Tickets are available through Symphoria; the cost is $30 for adults; $25 for senior citizens; $5 for students with I.D. and free for those under 18. Run time is two hours with one intermission.
NUTCRACKER TWIST: AN ENCHANTED JOURNEY
Dec. 9 at 3 p.m.
Tchaikovsky’s iconic “Nutcracker Ballet,” which premiered before Christmas in 1892 gets a refresh with on-stage performance by the CirqOvation troupe of aerialists, jugglers, acrobats and comedians accompanied by Symphoria. The contemporary, inclusive take on the classic story of Clara and the Nutcracker Prince is a collaboration between local author Linda Lowen and CirqOvation co-founder Sora Sol. For its third annual performance, “Nutcracker Twist” will bring new acts and costumes to what is becoming a local holiday tradition. Ticketmaster tickets for the Landmark show range from $23 to $77. Run time is one hour and forty-five minutes with a 20-minute intermission.
HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER’S STONE IN CONCERT
Jan 19 at 8 p.m.
John Williams’s thrilling score for the first Harry Potter novel will be performed by Symphoria as the 2001 Warner Bros. movie plays on the Landmark screen. It is J K. Rowling’s introduction to the popular series about an orphan boy who, on his 11th birthday, discovers his roots as the child of two wizards. With more than 120 million copies sold, the novel has become one of the most popular books of all time. Ticketmaster prices range from $58 to $235. Run time is 180 minutes with intermission. A guest artist will conduct.