Cleveland Philharmonic Orchestra @ Zion United Church of Christ of Tremont 12/4 When I was a child, I learned that I truly loved the sound of a live orchestra and classical music was meant for the affluent; ordinary kids got the nosebleed seats. The Cleveland Philharmonic Orchestra seeks to perform concerts, which make musical enrichment accessible to all in the Greater Cleveland area. Zion UCC of Tremont presented the third annual Cleveland Philharmonic Orchestra Christmas Concert under the direction of William B. Slocum. After that performance, some of the ordinary people whose perception of classical music has been casual, sporadic or even unimpressed may find themselves enthusiastic supporters of the arts.

Caroline Oltmanns opened the afternoon’s concert with Beethoven’s “Emperor,” Piano Concerto No. 5 in E flat major, Op. 73, with vitality, passion and flair. The hauntingly beautiful, almost reverent second movement brought a few people to tears. Ms. Oltmanns’ precise phrasing, and orchestra interplay, the high-spirited direction of Mr. Slocum and the key role of percussion in the final movement attracted the attention of even the youngest people in the audience.

The second half of the program featured the Southwest Community Chorus with soprano, Misook Yun performing selections from Händel’s “The Messiah.” The first selection, “For Unto us a Child is Born” was presented with strength and balanced well with the orchestra. “Pifa,” an orchestral piece followed. For the next few selections the orchestra eclipsed the chorus and Ms. Yun— who totally nailed “Rejoice Greatly, O Daughter of Zion.” Yun seemed to spur the chorus to regain the balance of the opening piece for “Hallelujah.” Anderson's medley of nine popular carols in “A Christmas Festival” and “Carol of the Bells” are always a delight to hear. Prokofieff's Troika from “Lieutenant Kijé Suite,” with its unusual chords sounded more dissonant than usual, although the tempo was pretty much on the money. Toping off the performance was the traditional Christmas Carol Sing-Along: a series of nine carols skillfully connected by fragments of familiar tunes that maintained momentum during rhythm and key changes. At a reception in the fellowship hall, the orchestra, chorus, soloists and audience were treated to sumptuous goodies. For those who missed the annual Christmas Concert or just want to hear it again WCLV-FM 104.9 will broadcast portions of the concert 12/21 at 8 p.m. I hope you tune in for that event. From Cool Cleveland reader Joanne M. Popp w8inglongAthotmail.com (:divend:)