Written by St. George Mayor Jon Pike
It’s hard to believe 2015 is near its end. But before we write it off just yet, I recommend taking a look at all that’s happening in December! I can’t begin to list everything, but here are a few.
Dec. 4: George Streetfest in historic downtown St. George
Dec. 6-7: Handel’s “Messiah,” performed by the Southwest Symphony Orchestra and Lieto Voices! at the DSU Cox Performing Arts Center
Dec. 10-13: “Star at Bethlehem” Christmas concert by the Southern Utah Heritage Choir at the St. George Tabernacle
Dec. 10-12 and 17-19: “Christmas On Broadway” by The Stage Door/Brodie Perry Vocal Studio at the Electric Theater
Now through Jan. 2: “It’s a Wonderful Life” at Brigham’s Playhouse in Washington City
Dec. 3-19: “The Christmas Bus” by St. George Musical Theater at the St. George Opera House
Dec. 18, 19, 21, and 22: “The Nutcracker” by Westside Studio in St. George
Dec. 22: “Christmas Reflections” with Christina Osborn and Friends at the DiFiore Center
Dec. 31: “Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow” a fundraising gala for St. George Musical Theater featuring Lisa Hopkins Seegmiller at the St. George Opera House
I know there are many other concerts and events that I haven’t listed, including dozens by school choirs, bands, and orchestras. I’m grateful to live in a community with so many opportunities to enjoy music, dancing, theater, and just good fun! I hope anyone interested in any of these or the many other events occurring during December will look to Facebook or the Internet for more information and do all you can to get to the events that interest you most. I know the organizers and artists certainly appreciate it. I also know that it’s a great way to enjoy the season and celebrate, regardless of our individual beliefs and traditions.
I had a great friend while growing up whose family was Jewish. I will never forget two things my friend’s family did and said at Christmastime. First, they came to see me perform in an opera called “Amahl and the Night Visitors” when I was thirteen years old. It was about a young crippled boy who after meeting the three kings on their way to see the baby Jesus wanted to go with them to play his flute for him. I was so touched by their support. Another year, I remember my friend’s parents coming to our church’s production of Handel’s “Messiah.” My friend’s mother said to us at the time that although she didn’t believe the same way we did, she certainly enjoyed the music of Handel and the message from scripture. I feel the same way in that I hope to enjoy events and celebrations with friends of other backgrounds and faiths throughout the year.
Whatever your fond memories are, whatever traditions you have enjoyed or now enjoy, whatever your religious beliefs are, and wherever the season takes you, I wish each of you a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, or simply a joyous holiday season and a wonderful 2016!
