"Harmony of the Holidays" Sparks Festive Fun on Courtyard Stage
- LAMusArt
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
On Saturday, December 13th, LAMusArt held its annual winter concert, Harmony of the Holidays. The Tuition-Free Music Ensembles took turns festively showcasing their talents on the Courtyard Stage. Despite the cold weather, many audience members, including LAMusArt's Board of Directors, gleefully attended this sold-out show.
Opening the show were ensembles led by Rubi Castillo, a String Ensemble, Mariachi Ensemble, and a private violin teaching artist. The Monday Beginning String Ensemble class performed “Cripple Creek” and “Old Joe Clark,” arranged by Heather Figi; the Tuesday class followed with “Riverwalk” by P. Baser and “Ode to Joy” arranged by Marlene Meagher Her Intermediate String Ensemble performed “Fiddle Cat,” "Trillium” and ended with a rendition of “Silent Night,” all arranged by Heather Figi. Rubi’s set ended with her Mariachi Ensemble performing “Adios Amor” and “Gema” by Christian Nodal. This vibrant set featured solos from vocalists Sophia V.C. and Citlali A.
Following the Mariachi Ensemble was LAMusArt’s Youth Orchestra, an ensemble led by Isaac Schanno Johnson, a private violin and piano teaching artist, with the help of percussion coach Michael Basak and trumpet coach Emily Nastelin. The Youth Orchestra opened its set with a charming rendition of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s well-known “Trepak.” A version of “Cielito Lindo” arranged by Isaac Schanno Johnson proceeded, and the set was officially closed out with a festive “Carol of the Bells” also arranged by the director.
As the Youth Orchestra cleared off the stage, it was time for the mid-intermission raffle! Audience members buzzed with excitement as they patiently waited for numbers to be called. Winners went home with an LAMusArt swag pack that featured the 2025 Holiday Greeting Card Set, “Snowy Cabin.”
LAMusArt’s former Executive Director from 2017 to 2022, Manuel Prieto, then stepped on stage to speak on the Community Mosaic, an installation that will honor 80 years of LAMusArt and the generous donors who continue to support arts education in East LA. The first panel of this installation will be installed in the lobby of the building in the new year. To learn more about this campaign and how to leave your legacy, please click here.
Next up was the Jazz Ensemble led by Isaac Lopez, a private woodwinds instructor, with the help of drum coach Ben Zurier, who teaches private drum classes as well. The group stunned the crowd with a diverse set including “Romantic Warrior” by Chick Corea, “Midnight Rendezvous” by Casiopea, and “Brazilian Skies" by Masayoshi Takanaka. Audience members were uplifted by Lopez’s acknowledgements of pride for his band.
Closing out the evening were Melina Adragna’s choir ensembles accompanied by pianist Nicholas Mendez. Melina Adragna teaches private voice lessons, while Nicholas Mendez also teaches private piano lessons throughout the week. LAMusArt Youth Choir was the first to fill the stage. They brought the Holiday cheer with classics such as “Frosty the Snowman,” ‘Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree,” “You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” and “Last Christmas.”
Members of the advanced choir then joined them on stage for “Joy To The World” and “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.” LAMusArt Choir exited the stage, and Advanced Choir took their place. The audience was in awe of their performances of “Once Upon a December" and “O Magnum Mysterium.” The holiday spirit was brought back by their performances of “Carol of the Bells” and the theme song for the movie, Elf.
LAMusArt would like to thank everyone for attending this festive event, our donors, and our teaching artists for continuing to support our Tuition-Free Music Ensembles and making our mission statement of providing equitable and accessible arts education to the community of East Los Angeles possible. We hope to see you all in the new year!
See all pictures from this event on our Facebook page at Facebook.com/LAMusArt.