The Port Townsend Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Maestro Tigran Arakelyan, will present its December concert on Sunday afternoon, Dec. 3 at 2 p.m. at Chimacum High School Auditorium. In addition to the concert, there will be an open dress rehearsal Friday evening, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. 

This is a free concert: donations are welcome.

This concert features Victoria Symphony principal flutist Arin Sarkissian. Winner of Montreal’s La Vireé Classique competition, he was named by the CBC as one of the “30 hot Canadian classical musicians under 30.” Frequently called upon as a soloist, he has played with Orchestre Symphonique de Montreal, Ottawa Chamberfest, and the National Arts Center of Canada. He will be playing the Flute Concerto by Carl Reinecke. 

Reinecke was a German pianist, composer and conductor who was very popular and renowned in his time.  He was also well known as a teacher with students such as Edvard Grieg, Leos Janacek, Isaac Albeniz, and Max Bruch. Today, his most popular works are a flute sonata and his flute concerto.

Other pieces in this seasonally-inspired concert include The Winterlust Polka by Joseph Strauss, the Christmas Waltz by Tchaikovsky, Winter Night (Sleigh Ride) by Frederick Delius and the Northwest Premier of Courage by Adrienne Albert. The PTSO percussion section will be performing an encore performance of Holiday Hoopla. 

Rounding out the concert is one of Leonard Bernstein’s most popular concert pieces, the Overture to Candide.

More information is available on the orchestra website ptsymphony.org.