The festive spirit of Christmas resonated through the Wanamaker Building in Philadelphia on December 5, 2023, as Opera Philadelphia presented its annual concert, “Home for the Holidays.” The event attracted a diverse audience, all eager to experience a night filled with music, dance, and holiday cheer.
Attendees expressed their joy after the performance. Caitlin Sylvain, a resident of Fairmount, remarked, “It’s wonderful. It really, really gets you in the holiday spirit.” The concert featured a series of enchanting musical pieces performed by the opera’s talented artists. Anthony Roth Costanzo, the opera’s general director and president, emphasized the importance of music in bringing people together during challenging times. “It’s so hard in the times we live in to just find ways to connect,” he noted. “That’s what I think art and music can do.”
The concert also included performances by local artists, including violinist Madison Day, who noted, “This is my first Christmas performance of the season. It just kind of gets me in the spirit, and I loved having the family here.” Her daughter shared her excitement, stating, “It was really mesmerizing and just really interesting.”
Adding to the festive ambiance, the audience was treated to a variety of special dance performances, which included a highlight for many: dancers dressed as dinosaurs. “I think the dinosaurs were my favorite,” Sylvain said, reflecting the audience’s enthusiasm. Fellow attendee Chris Hunt from Center City echoed this sentiment, expressing a desire to join in the dancing.
The event culminated in a spectacular finale with the historic Wanamaker Light Show, a beloved Philadelphia holiday tradition. Bob Davis from Fairmount commented on the overall experience, stating, “The show was outstanding. We enjoyed every bit of it. The singers, the dancers, the lights – it was just great being here.”
Opera Philadelphia’s “Home for the Holidays” concert not only provided entertainment but also fostered a sense of community and connection among attendees. As the audience left the Wanamaker Building, it was clear that the evening had successfully captured the essence of the holiday spirit.
