'The Christmas Show' returning to The Ariel Opera House

The evening begins with a pre-concert chat at 6:45 p.m. led by Huang presenting the background of the music played.

Huang recently concluded a 16-year appointment as associate professor and director of Orchestras at Ohio University. Previously, he had served as musical director of the Bach Society Orchestra at Harvard University, where he had earned his undergraduate degree.

Huang studied with Dumitru Goia in Bucharest, Romania, in the conducting tradition of the St. Petersburg Conservatory. Ariel Executive Director Lora Lynn Snow describes Huang as a “consummate musician” and adds that “it’s always a treat to play with him on the podium.”

The scene will be set with an arrangement of “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” followed by a performance of “Wassail Dances.” John Williams’ iconic music from “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” aims to evoke the snowy holiday scenes at Hogwarts castle. The second half of the program will transition into favorite carols with “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” “Men of Good Will,” “The Holly and the Ivy” and more.

The festivities will also include this year’s “Maestro for a Moment” competition, with contestants vying to win the most votes and get the chance to conduct The OVS in “Sleigh Ride” by raising the most funds by intermission of the concert. Those interested may vote using the secure PayPal link at the website at arieloperahouse.org and cast their monetary vote online. The annual fundraiser’s purpose is to keep live music available for the region.

The Ariel invites attendees to enjoy a post-concert reception for some seasonal treats and to meet the musicians. The pre-concert chat, concert and post concert reception are all included in the price of the ticket, $26 for adults, $24 for seniors and $15 for students.

The OVS’s stated mission is to bring great music played by great artists to the Ohio Valley, and making orchestral music easy to love. To get a unique perspective on making music, the public is welcome to attend OVS rehearsals for free at 7-10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, and 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2. Open rehearsals are a great way for young and old alike to become more familiar with symphonic music, and they offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse of what goes into preparing an orchestral performance, officials said.

Funding for The OVS is provided in part by Holzer Health Systems, the Ann Carson Dater Endowment, the National Endowment for the Arts and you, the public. The Ariel is in downtown Gallipolis, Ohio and is an ADA-accessible facility.

Out-of-towners can find information on the website for things to do when they visit Gallipolis to hear an OVS concert. There is a listing of restaurants, museums, attractions and lodging, and some give a discount to symphony ticket holders.