The Butler County Symphony Orchestra held its annual “Holiday Traditions” concert on Saturday evening, Dec. 7, at Butler Intermediate High School.

Brazilian-American conductor Austin Chanu, who recently wrapped up his tenure as assistant conductor of the Philadelphia Orchestra, guided a group of 100 performers consisting of 60 instrumentalists and 40 choir members.

“The music we perform changes yearly, based on the conductor's program decisions,” said executive director Edward DeSantis in an email. “This year was exceptionally exciting, as Austin Chanu interwove a jazzy version of the Nutcracker, arranged by Duke Ellington, with the original composition by Tchaikovsky.

“We also believe that this concert is Butler County's family tradition to kick off the holiday season every year, and are providing an experience before, during and after the performance.”

According to DeSantis, the orchestra once again sold out the Butler Intermediate High School auditorium, which contains 1,238 seats.