Butler County Symphony Orchestra performs classics with a bold take
Butler County Symphony Orchestra delivered its annual “Holiday Traditions” concert to a packed house Saturday, Dec. 7, in the Butler Intermediate High School auditorium.
This cherished event, a staple of Butler’s holiday season, blended festive classics with bold, innovative interpretations, creating a night of music that left the community full of holiday spirit. This year’s program featured a mixture of classical, contemporary and pop holiday songs, offering something for everyone in the audience to enjoy.
Leading the symphony for this magical evening was guest conductor, Austin Chanu, the second of three finalists vying for the permanent music director position.
Chanu, who made his conducting debut with the Philadelphia Orchestra last year, brought remarkable energy and enthusiasm to the performance. His confidence and leadership skills were evident from the first note to the final bow.
Beyond his musical expertise, Chanu’s charisma shone through in his many interactions with the audience. His approachable sense of humor and warm demeanor added a personal touch to an already intimate performance, making his debut with the symphony both memorable and impressive. He also will conduct the county orchestra in “Shostakovich Five!” on Feb. 8.
One of the highlights of the concert was Chanu’s daring reimagining of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker.” Rather than performing the suite in its traditional form, Chanu altered movements between the original composition and Duke Ellington’s jazz adaptation. This innovative approach was a bold move, considering “The Nutcracker” is a beloved classic that most are hesitant to alter.
Yet Chanu’s vision for the piece paid off fantastically, combining the elegance of Tchaikovsky with the infectious swing of Ellington’s jazz arrangement. The contrasting styles complemented each other beautifully, showcasing Chanu’s creativity and his deep passion for jazz. The result was a fresh and exciting interpretation that resonated with the audience and revealed this maestro’s personality and artistic capabilities.
The program included performances by the Butler County Symphony Orchestra Holiday Choir, which joined in on four stunning renditions of holiday favorites. The rich harmonies and powerful vocals of the choir paired perfectly with the music, adding depth and warmth to the already festive repertoire. This collaboration elevated the performance and highlighted the talent present in the county’s arts scene.
In addition to the music, the evening was filled with a sense of community and giving. The annual basket raffle and 50/50 drawing, both highlights of the concert, were a tremendous success. These fundraising efforts brought significant support to the orchestra and underscored the importance of sustaining the arts in our town.
After the sold-out concert, guests gathered around in the school’s cafeteria for a cookie reception, where Chanu’s personable nature continued to shine as he mingled with attendees, further showcasing the strong impression he made on everyone in only his first night with the community. This post-performance tradition provided an opportunity for everyone to mingle, share their holiday cheer, and — of course — get a picture with Santa Claus!
The large turnout at the reception was another clear testament to how significant this concert is for the orchestra and for this town. The “Holiday Traditions” concert was more than just an evening of music — it was a celebration of togetherness, new ideas and holiday cheer. Whether through the vibrant energy of the orchestra and choir, the bold reinterpretation of “The Nutcracker,” or the laughter and conversation over cookies, this year’s concert was a complete success.
This cherished event continues to be a vital part of Butler’s holiday traditions, bringing everyone together through the shared love of music.
