LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Soper-Reese Community Theatre will be the scene of this year's annual Christmas Concert of the Lake County Symphony, taking place on Sunday, Dec. 18, at 3 p.m.

The concert is sponsored by Clear Lake Performing Arts.

Conductor John Parkinson is scheduling not only many of the traditional holiday favorites such as the Nutcracker Suite, the Parade of the Wooden Soldiers, Leroy Anderson's ever-popular "Sleigh Ride" "Winter Wonderland," "It's a Most Wonderful Time of the Year" and many others, but is once again presenting a medley of jazz arrangements.

These have become increasingly popular in recent holiday concerts both in Lake County and other venues.

They feature local soloists, including Shelly Mascari and Sarah Cunningham. Mascari recently wowed the Soper-Reese audience with her renditions from the opera "Carmen."

Her singing partner in that event, Carl Stewart, will also return to deliver a solo of "O Holy Night" backed by the orchestra.

Another tradition – the singing of the "Hallelujah Chorus" by the audience – returns, this time with the local vocal group "EarReverance" leading the way.

The CLPA Youth Orchestra, led by conductor Susan Condit, also promises something a little different than the usual Christmas fare.

"Angels Bach has Heard on High" has been described as coming right out of the J.S. Bach family songbook, even though it was written and arranged by contemporary composer Owen Goldsmith, a native of Borger, Texas, who now lives in California's Sierra foothills.

Her second selection has been entitled "Five Ukrainians in a Bell Tower" by arranger Rick England who adapted it from Mykola Leontovych's holiday favorite "Carol of the Bells."

England's arrangement is in 5/4 time, similar to that used by Dave Brubeck in his classic "Take Five." It will feature a quartet of former Youth Orchestra members Annie Perez, violin #1, Erin Call, Violin #2, Aaron Bielenberg, Viola and Amanda Bronson, Cello.

Reserved seats may be obtained by contacting www.soperreesetheatre.com or by phone at 707-263-0577, or by visiting the theater box office at 275 S. Main St. in Lakeport Thursdays or Fridays from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Youngsters under 18 will be admitted free to the full dress concert starting at 11 a.m., and adults, too, can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this presentation, for an entry fee of just $5.