Each year, the Conway Symphony Orchestra presents a holiday concert that tops the years before. Per ConwaySymphonyOrchestra.org, “conductor Israel ‘Izzy’ Getzov, prides himself on making the music accessible and enjoyable, often providing commentary interspersed with exciting musical selections.” 

This holiday season, the CSO will stage A Conway Christmas Holiday Concert from 7:30-9 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3 at Reynolds Performance Hall. The orchestra, with special guests Central Arkansas Children’s Choir and the Arkansas Festival Ballet, will perform selections from “The Nutcracker” and new arrangements of several holiday favorites. 

The CSO music director implemented a program two years ago, “to bring music into the classrooms of elementary and intermediate schools, providing a more educational and interactive experience for children than a single in-school concert. We reached more than 600 students in one month, and expanded the program to more than 1,000 students last year.”

Combining classical music and kid-friendly entertainment, the Conway Symphony Orchestra continues to grow each year. 

Immediately before the Holiday Concert, from 6-7 p.m. in the AETN Classroom on the UCA Campus, children of all ages will be treated to Nutcracker Sweets. Amid hot chocolate, desserts, and activities, families will hear stories from “The Nutcracker,” have the opportunity to meet the dancers and Maestro Izzy before they take the stage at the Conway Christmas concert. 

Tickets to the Nutcracker Sweets event are $5 per child (their accompanying adults are admitted free), and can be purchased and reserved by calling 269-1066. 

Purchase tickets to A Conway Christmas Holiday Concert ($6-$38 each) online at UCA.edu.TicketForce.com.