New West Symphony Presents Festive Winter Spectacular Concerts on December 7 & 8
Concerts feature the Los Robles Children’s Choir and vocal soloists
Oscar-nonimated animated short film, “The Snowman,” to be presented with live orchestra
Winterfest pre-concert dinner to support the Symphony’s artistic and education programs
On December 7 and 8, New West Symphony (NWS) presents the Los Robles Children’s Choir and vocal soloists in a winter-inspired concert filled with musical light! Oscar-nominated for Best Animated Short Film, The Snowman, based on Raymond Briggs’ picture book with music by Howard Blake, is presented with the orchestra, alongside symphonic masterworks and holiday songs and carols.
“Winter holidays are some of the most treasured aspects of family traditions, personal reflection and aspiration for the future. As our NWS family gathers to mark the beginning of the holiday season, I invite our community to join us as we feature our longstanding partners at Los Robles Children’s Choir, remarkable vocalists and an array of music and sights for all ages,” said Music Director Michael Christie.
Meet the Artists
Prior to the weekend performances, NWS hosts Meet the Artists on Friday, December 6 at 11 a.m. at University Village Thousand Oaks. Meet the Artists provides a unique “behind the scenes” experience hosted by Maestro Christie with guest vocalists: Julia Metzler, mezzo-soprano; Ashley Faatoalia, tenor; and Patrick Blackwell, bass. The free event begins with a brunch reception at 10 a.m. Reservations are required by calling University Village at 805.241.3300 at least 48 hours in advance. The event is also livestreamed on the NWS Facebook page and YouTube channel. More info at newwestsymphony.org/meet-the-artists.
Winterfest 2024
On Saturday, December 7 prior to the Winter Spectacular concert, NWS hosts Winterfest, a dining experience highlighting winter solstice foods from around the world. This culinary journey starts at 4 p.m. at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center in Thousand Oaks. The proceeds from tickets, sponsorships and silent and live auctions support NWS’ artistic and education programs. Cost for the dinner and concert combined is $325 per person; cost for the dinner only (for subscribers/ticket holders) is $275 per person. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit newwestsymphony.org/winterfest.
Winter Spectacular: Holidays of Light
Saturday, December 7 at 7 p.m. - Bank of America Performing Arts Center (BAPAC)
2100 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks
Sundays, December 8 at 3 p.m. - Rancho Campana Performing Arts Center (RCPAC)
4235 Mar Vista Drive, Camarillo
Michael Christie, conductor
Alaysha Fox, soprano
Julia Metzler, mezzo-soprano
Ashley Faatoalia, tenor
Patrick Blackwell, bass
Los Robles Children’s Choir, Emma Roche, director
Grieg | “Morning Mood“ from Peer Gynt
Haydn | Symphony No. 59, “Fire,” Mvt. I
Howard Blake | The Snowman
accompanied by the award-winning animated short film
Mozart | Serenade in G Major, “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik,” Mvt. 1
Mozart | “A Musical Joke,” Mvt. IV
Trad./O’Loughlin | El Burrito Sabanero
Trad./O’Loughlin | Los Peces en el Río
with Los Robles Children’s Choir
Trad./arr. Jeffrey Biegel | Hanukah Fantasy
with vocal soloists
Leontovych | Carol of the Bells
John Rutter | Silent Night
with Los Robles Children’s Choir
Various/arr. Gary Fry | Snow Place So Jolly
White Christmas, Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!, Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer, Winter Wonderland, Frosty the Snowman, Jolly Old St. Nicholas
with vocal soloists and audience sing-along
Anderson | Sleigh Ride
Ticket prices range from $35-$125. Tickets for students and children are $15. The December concerts are generously sponsored by AmaWaterways and Westlake Physical Therapy. At these concerts, NWS honors its Volunteer Leadership: New West Symphony League, Board of Directors, National Charity League, and Winterfest and Summerfest Committees.
Note: New West Symphony is offering free tickets for the December 7 and 8 Winter Spectacular concerts to families and firefighters who have been impacted by the Mountain Fire in Camarillo. Please call the Box Office at 866.776.8400 to reserve. The offer is valid for up to 4 tickets per household; based on availability.
New 2025 Masterpiece Series subscription packages and single tickets are on sale now. Season subscribers receive up to 20% off single ticket prices and other discounts, free ticket exchanges, invitations to exclusive events and other benefits. Choose-Your-Own packages with 3, 4 or 5 concerts are also available at a 10% discount.
For full performance details and to order tickets, visit newwestsymphony.org or call 866.776.8400.
# # #
About “The Snowman”
Originally published in 1978, The Snowman, created and illustrated by Raymond Briggs, has become one of the world’s most popular children’s books, selling in excess of 8.5 million copies worldwide and translated into over 15 languages. In keeping with the book, the film of The Snowman is wordless and free of dialogue, except for the now iconic, “Walking in the Air,” which is part of a now timeless musical score. Both song and score were written and composed by Howard Blake.
About Michael Christie
Named New West Symphony’s Artistic and Music Director in December 2018, GRAMMY® Award-winning conductor Michael Christie is a thoughtfully innovative conductor, equally at home in the symphonic and opera worlds, who is focused on making the audience experience at his performances entertaining, enlightening and enriching. Deeply committed to bringing new works to life, he has championed commissions by leading and emerging composers. Christie served as Music Director of the Minnesota Opera (2012-18), Phoenix Symphony (2005-13), Brooklyn Philharmonic (2005-10) and Colorado Music Festival (2000-13), and as Chief Conductor of the Queensland Orchestra (2001-04) in Australia. michaelchristieonline.com
About New West Symphony
Founded in 1995 and entering its 30th Anniversary season in 2025, the New West Symphony (NWS) is a professional orchestra that draws players from the rich talent pool of professional LA-area musicians. NWS is guided by the artistic direction of GRAMMY®-winning Maestro Michael Christie and CEO Natalia Staneva. NWS is a resident company of the Bank of America Performing Arts Center in Thousand Oaks and also performs at the Rancho Campana Performing Arts Center in Camarillo. The organization presents six Masterpiece Series concerts annually, performing major works from the symphonic repertoire with internationally-acclaimed guest artists. NWS also provides education and engagement opportunities for the communities it serves through Symphonic Adventures for youth and the Laby Harmony Project for underserved students. newwestsymphony.org
New West Symphony Presents Festive Winter Spectacular Concerts on December 7 & 8Concerts feature the Los Robles Children’s Choir and vocal soloists