Featuring performances by the winners of SoNA’s Talent Search, the SoNA Singers, choirs from Bentonville and Har-Ber High Schools, and a world premiere of a piece centered around the Nativity story, narrated by Bill Simon, President/CEO of Walmart U.S.

The sounds of Christmas are as much a part of the holidays as twinkling lights and gifts wrapped under the tree, and what better way to celebrate than with the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas’s annual Christmas Concert. The performance takes place at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 14 at Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville – and includes a mix of your favorite sacred and secular music celebrating the beauty and wonder of Christmas.

The second performance of the Symphony’s five-concert 2013-14 season, the Christmas Concert will feature the winners of SoNA’s inaugural vocal Talent Search competition: alto soloist Beth Gagliano; baritone and solo trumpeter Jeff Shadley; soprano soloist Sara Broome Sydes; and 11-year-old soloist Brian Latimer (singing “Let There Be Peace on Earth”).

Also sharing the stage with SoNA musicians will be the SoNA Singers — an auditioned ensemble of choral singers from throughout the region — joined by the Bentonville High School Chamber Choir (Terry Hicks, Director) and the Har-Ber High School Camerata Singers (Randy Erwin, Director). In addition, the concert will present a special performance of “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” by SoNA Singers Director Terry Hicks and his wife, Peggy Hicks.

And a highlight of the evening features Bill Simon, President/CEO of Walmart U.S., who will narrate a world premiere centered around the Nativity story.

Performed under the baton of acclaimed SoNA Music Director Paul Haas, with heavenly harmonies and vibrant orchestral playing, the Christmas Concert continues SoNA’s tradition of mixing some of the most beloved sacred pieces with holiday favorites. There will be something for everyone, from “Silent Night” to “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.”

“Our audience has come to expect a Christmas concert that is at once incredibly fun yet spiritually and emotionally moving,” says Haas. “We’ll be playing a carefully balanced mixture of pops and sacred programming, designed to have our listeners leave the concert in a great mood, singing all the tunes that help make Christmas such a magical time of the year.”

“We are so honored to have Bill Simon narrate the world premiere of a piece centered around the Nativity story,” adds SoNA Executive Director Karen Kapella.

“I’m delighted to take part in SoNA’s annual Christmas Concert,” said Bill Simon. “The concert will provide a memorable and heart-warming experience for everyone who attends and promises to be a highlight of the Christmas season.”

To purchase single tickets ($28, $38, $48), please call the Walton Arts Center box office at (479) 443-5600 or visit www.sonamusic.org for online ticketing options. Season subscriptions ($115, $165, $215) include all five concerts and a savings of $5 per ticket, per concert. Children age 7-17 tickets are also available for $5 each with the purchase of an adult ticket, and college student tickets are available for $10 each with a valid student ID. Groups of 10 or more receive a 10% discount. The Christmas Concert is sponsored through the generous support of Bob & Marilyn Bogle.

For more information, including the full season concert lineup, visit www.sonamusic.org.