Melodies & Merrymaking
FREE CONCERT FEATURING NARRATOR CLAUDIA KITKA
The Sacramento Symphonic Winds proudly presents our festive holiday concert, Melodies & Merrymaking on Sunday, December 20, 2026, at 2:30 PM. In a special venue shift for this performance only, our family-friendly concert will be held at Natomas Charter School Benvenuti Performing Arts Center and is free to the public.
Melodies & Merrymaking captures the warmth and joy of the season through a dynamic program of holiday classics and vivid storytelling. A special highlight of the afternoon will feature acclaimed performer Claudia Kitka as the guest narrator for the holiday classic “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Clement C. Moore’s timeless poem will be brought to life alongside Newell Long’s colorful musical arrangement.
The audience will experience a mix of traditional carols and beloved seasonal favorites. The program features iconic holiday masterworks and energetic showpieces, including Leroy Anderson’s dazzling trumpet feature “Bugler’s Holiday,” the vivid programmatic energy of Ron Nelson’s “Rocky Point Holiday,” and the brilliant seasonal fanfare of James Curnow’s “A Christmas Flourish.”
Additional concert highlights include:
- “Christmas Spirit” – A festive medley arranged by the legendary Sammy Nestico.
- “All Through the Night” – A lush, moving setting by acclaimed composer Julie Giroux.
- Seasonal selections including “Dashing Through the Snow,” “Do You Hear What I Hear,” “Holiday Emblem,” and “An Irving Berlin Christmas.”
Event Details:
- What: Melodies & Merrymaking Holiday Concert
- Who: Sacramento Symphonic Winds, featuring guest narrator Claudia Kitka
- When: Sunday, December 20, 2026, at 2:30 PM
- Where: Natomas Charter School Benvenuti Performing Arts Center, 4600 Blackrock Dr, Sacramento, CA 95835 (Note: Special location for this performance only)
- Admission: Free admission (No tickets required)
