Gift of music: Holiday concerts by Space Coast Symphony, Brevard Symphony Orchestra

By Maria Sonnenberg

For FLORIDA TODAY

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It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and both the Space Coast Symphony and the Brevard Symphony Orchestra will be delivering the gift of beautiful sounds Nov. 27.

Emmet Cahill, Irish star of Celtic Thunder, is easy on both the ear and the eye. His performance with the Space Coast Symphony should prove a holiday treat. Cahill will be in town for a single performance as part of his “Christmas in Ireland” tour of the United States.

Emmet Cahill, principal singer with Celtic Thunder, will play a Pipes of Praise holiday benefit concert at the Florida Theatre. The Nov. 26 show will fund the restoration of the pipe organ at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception.

Ireland’s top tenor will belt out Christmas classics as well as Emerald Isle favorites during his concert at 7 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 27, at Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy’s Scott Center, 5625 Holy Trinity Dr., Melbourne.

“This is our fourth collaboration together and he is one of my favorite musicians to work with,” said artistic director and conductor Aaron Collins.

“Not only does he have one of the best voices in the world, but he is one of the most genuine, sincere, and easygoing artists I have had the pleasure of working with. Since we've performed both Irish favorites and Broadway favorites in the past, we thought it would be fun to do a holiday-themed concert together. I am very much looking forward to sharing the stage again with him!”

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Cahill has been a principal singer with Celtic Thunder for eight years, and continues to participate with the famous singing group of young Irish lads known for their eclectic, theatrical style. The group has produced ten PBS Television specials and their concert programs broadcast on public television every day of the year in states across America.

The busy 30-year-old also enjoys a solo career that launched in 2018 with a sold out concert at New York’s Carnegie Hall. His album, “Emmet Cahill’s Ireland,” rocketed to #1 on the World Music charts for Billboard, iTunes and Amazon.

For the Brevard concert, Cahill’s program includes beloved holiday songs such as “Silent Night” and “White Christmas,” as well as Emerald Isle classics that include “When Irish Eyes are Smiling” and, most undoubtedly, “Danny Boy.”

Tickets for “Christmas with Emmet Cahill” cost $30 in advance for adults. If any tickets are still available at the door, they will go for $35. Students 18 and under are admitted free. For an extra dose of smiling Irish eyes, opt for the $60 VIP pass, which includes a pre-concert Q&A with the star, an individual photo op, autographed photo and first choice of seating.

Purchase tickets at spacecoastsymphony.org or in person at Marine Bank & Trust in Suntree.

For another dose of holiday spirit, go to the King Center at 2 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 27, to take in the “Sounds of the Season” by the Brevard Symphony Orchestra.

“The concert is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season,” said BSO Maestro Christopher Confessore.

Christopher Confessore leads the Brevard Symphony Orchestra in "Sounds of the Season" at the King Center on Nov. 27, 2021.

Our program features fantastic arrangements of favorite holiday songs and traditional carols that everyone will enjoy.”

The maestro is looking forward to working with guest vocalist Amy Cofield, as well as with his friends from the Brevard Community Chorus, directed by Dr. Robert Lamb. The family-friendly concert includes traditional carols, holiday pops selections and light-hearted classics.

“For me, the musical highlights of this concert include arrangements for chorus and orchestra of “Do You Hear What I Hear” and Leroy Anderson's “Sleigh Ride,” as well as a fantastic setting for the orchestra of “Winter Wonderland” that quickly travels through multiple musical styles, from Swing to Bossa Nova, to Sousa march, in the span of just three minutes,” added Confessore.

Tickets range from $19 to $39. Purchase at kingcenter.com or by calling the box office at 321-242-2219.

Patrons still uncomfortable attending a live performance should note that the BSO plans to offer “Sounds of the Season,” as well as all of its other concerts this year, as delayed streams that can be enjoyed at home. Check brevardsymphony.com for details at a later date.

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