Boston Pops Conductor Keith Lockhart (Photo by Michael Lutch)

On Wednesday, December 17, at 8 p.m., Boston Pops Conductor Keith Lockhart will lead the 25th annual "A Company Christmas at Pops," reaching a milestone year for what is considered one of the BSO's most important annual fundraising events.

This year's holiday fundraiser has already raised more than $1.2 million to benefit the Boston Symphony and Boston Pops orchestras, and represents support from more than 100 New England-based companies. "A Company Christmas at Pops" is part of the Holiday Pops season, which takes place from December 11-December 31, at Symphony Hall.

The program for "A Company Christmas at Pops" will feature the Boston Pops, under the baton of Mr. Lockhart, performing holiday favorites such as "Joy to the World," "The Twelve Days of Christmas," their holiday signature "Sleigh Ride," and a new arrangement of "The Polar Express," narrated by theater veteran Will LeBow and premiering this Holiday Pops season.

Grammy award-winner Michael Bolton will headline a list of special guests that includes award-winning columnist and frequent national talk show personality Mike Barnicle serving as narrator of "A Visit from St. Nicholas."

This festive evening will also feature the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets performing two special fanfares and the screening of two commemorative films produced by Susan Dangel to celebrate the Silver anniversary of "A Company Christmas at Pops."

CEOs, presidents, and executives from more than 100 New England-based companies will take part in this year's gala event, which includes a pre-concert reception and gourmet boxed dinners. Since its inception in 1984, "A Company Christmas at Pops," an annual holiday tradition for area business leaders and their guests, has raised nearly $17 million for the Boston Symphony and Boston Pops orchestras.

This year's lead sponsors include: Dick and Ann Marie Connolly, the Connors Family Office, Liberty Mutual Group, and Suffolk Construction Company, Inc.

Bank of America is this year's Children's Program Lead Sponsor. Building on a beloved 25-year tradition, 200 youngsters from children's service organizations throughout greater Boston will be invited as special guests to this year's event.

The Children's Program, named "Cleary's Kids" for 2008 as a tribute to Jim and Barbara Cleary, will take place at the Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston. Children will enjoy dinner, visits from Santa and costumed characters, and goodie bags provided by a variety of in-kind donors. Silver Fox Motorcoaches will provide buses to transport the children from the Fairmont Copley Plaza to Symphony Hall.

Silver Anniversary event co-chairs are Dick Connolly, Senior Vice President, Morgan Stanley; Jack Connors, Chairman Emeritus, Hill, Holiday; and Ted Kelly, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer, Liberty Mutual Group. James F. Cleary, Advisory Director of UBS, returns as honorary chairman.

In-kind donors to "A Company Christmas at Pops" and the Children's Program include The Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel, High Output Inc., Martignetti Companies, Merrill Corporation, Shreve, Crump, & Low, Silver Fox Motorcoaches, and TJX Companies, Inc.

For current program information, dial 617-CONCERT (266-2378). For further information about the Boston Pops or any of the BSO's many activities, visit www.bso.org or call 617-266-1492.

"The Nutcracker" Performances Continue at The Opera House

Boston Ballet's much-loved production of "The Nutcracker," a holiday season tradition in Boston, returned to the beautifully restored Opera House the day after Thanksgiving, and performances will continue there through Sunday, December 28.

The 2008 Nutcracker features the entire Company, more than 250 children from Boston Ballet School, and the full Tchaikovsky score performed live by the Boston Ballet Orchestra, led by Principal Conductor Jonathan McPhee and Associate Conductor Mark Churchill.

"The Nutcracker," a classical ballet in two acts based on a story by E.T.A. Hoffmann, follows the enchanting journey of young Clara, who receives a Nutcracker as a gift at a Christmas Eve party. Her nutcracker is ultimately transformed into a handsome young prince, who leads her through an enchanted forest and on to the Palace of Sweets, where she meets the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Among the ballet's most famous and memorable moments are a battle between toy soldiers and overgrown mice, a Christmas tree that grows to huge heights, the pas de deux for the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier, and a shimmering snow scene.

Tickets to "The Nutcracker" can be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at 617-931-2787 or by visiting www.ticketmaster.com. Groups of 20 or more can save up to 50% by calling Group Sales at 617-456-6343. Family and Date Night Packages are also available.

For more information, call the Boston Ballet Box Office at 617-695-6955 or visit www.bostonballet.org.

Della Chiesa to Host Dance Party

We are all invited to enjoy an evening of music, dancing and special guests when the one-and-only Ron Della Chiesa hosts a "Strictly Sinatra Music America Swing Dance Party" on Saturday, January 24, 2009 at Raffael's Banquet /Conference Facility, Route 1A, Walpole, from 7 p.m. to midnight.

The evening will be highlighted by a special "live" performance by the 18-piece Beantown Swing Orchestra, the wedding band that was featured in the movie "My Best Friend's Girl." Crooner John Stevens, whose spot-on characterization of Sinatra's singing style and mannerisms made him an American Idol finalist, will sing the big hits of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Bobby Darin, and Harry Connick Jr.

For tickets and more information, call Executive Producer Paul Schlosberg at 617-633-5100 or visit www.musicnotnoise.com.

Enjoy!

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