Published December 02. 2014 11:00PM
"A Viennese Christmas," a concert that includes a mix of American Christmas carols and traditional Austrian Viennese music, will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4 at the State Theatre Center for the Arts, Easton.
"A Viennese Christmas," produced by Bronx, N.Y., natives John and Judith Giattino, is in its 16th season of touring.
"We call it 'A Viennese Christmas,'" says John Giattino in a phone interview. "But what makes it special is that it is a mix of American and Viennese music.
"The first half of the show is focused on the traditional Christmas music and the second half includes the music of Johann Strauss."
Johann Strauss was an Austrian composer, born near Vienna in 1825. He was well-known for composing dance music and waltzes. His compositions helped put Vienna, Austria, on the musical map. He and his music are celebrated the world over today.
Giattino is thrilled to bring Viennese music to United States audiences.
"The audience really enjoys it," he says. "So many people tell us they wish there were more shows like this. Vienna is the music center of the world. Viennese music is world-renowned."
Conductor Stephen Charpie directs the Hollywood Concert Orchestra, with soloists Rita Markova, Monique Pelletier, Michael Padgett and Mathew Wages.
"These are world-class soloists," says Giattano. "The audience will really enjoy the show. It's very entertaining and many popular, recognizable selections are performed.
"There are a lot of surprises with a lot of audience participation," he says. "I can't tell you the details because that would ruin the surprise."
Tickets: State Theatre Box Office, 453 Northampton St., Easton; statetheatre.org, 1-800-999-STATE, 610-252-3132