Gainesville Symphony Orchestra at Fieldstone
By ANN B. DORAN

Left: Hiawassee residents and Fieldstone Family Entertainment owners Ken and Dana Merritt generously gave of their time and resources to offer Hiawassee and surrounding communities an experience with the Gainesville Symphony Orchestra.

Dr. Gregory Pritchard conducted the Gainesville Symphony Orchestra in “Holiday Pops” at Fieldstone Family Entertainment Center in Hiawassee on Tuesday, December 12. The theatre was fully packed with a delighted audience, many of whom had attended the previous two years’ performances.

Hiawassee residents and owners of FFEC Dana and Ken Merritt once again arranged for Gainesville Symphony to travel to Hiawassee for the third annual “Holiday Pops” to demonstrate the couple’s ongoing appreciation and love for the Hiawassee community. So, when Conductor Pritchard stepped onto his podium to tune up the orchestra, it was his third year to bring out the best from his musicians on Holiday Pops night in Hiawassee.

After an opening holiday medley that set toes tapping, Conductor Pritchard thanked the community for again inviting them. He next asked those audience members who had attended previously to clap; it sounded as if the majority in the audience were return attendees.

The orchestra played popular favorites as well as classical works. Pritchard interacted with his audience and told vignettes related to each piece. Introducing Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas,” Pritchard said that when Bing Crosby recorded “White Christmas,” studios produced all records from one “master tape” upon which the artist recorded the song. Bing’s “White Christmas” became the most popular record ever released. The original master tape literally wore out from so many usages. It was the first time in recording history that a song had to be recorded twice – to continue to meet the demand for records. Pritchard’s interaction with the audience and interesting musical history facts enhanced the orchestra’s beautiful performance.

Classical works included French composer Massenet’s “Meditation from Thais.” Pritchard suggested that people think of something for which they are thankful while they listened. Concertmaster Ken Lambert showcased the heavenly violin solo, and he received a standing ovation.

People had flocked together from neighboring communities. The enjoyment of the performance was overheard in guests’ comments as they mingled in the festive lobby at intermission and at the show’s conclusion.

The Ridges Resort and Sysco Foods of Atlanta provided refreshments and drinks. It was clear that all enjoyed the outstanding music as well as the evening’s friendly society. But the music set the mood.

Leaving the concert, driving home, visions of the orchestra musicians plying their instruments and the sounds of music undoubtedly remained in the minds of those who attended “Holiday Pops.”