Date Set For Staples High School's 84th Annual Candlelight Concerts

WESTPORT, CT — Staples High School's nationally recognized musicians and performers will present the school's 84th Annual Candlelight Concerts on Dec. 13 and 14 at Staples High School Auditorium, organizers announced.

The popular concerts are an annual gift to the Westport community. On Dec. 13, the performance will be at 8 p.m., and on Dec. 14, the shows will be at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Tickets will be available to the public on Nov. 25, starting at 9 a.m. at www.staplesmusic.org (4 ticket maximum). The tickets historically sell out quickly, so organizers recommend attendees order promptly.

"There is no charge for Candlelight tickets, however donations in support of the music program are graciously accepted," officials wrote in a statement.

From the announcement:

In a program that spans the centuries, this year’s Candlelight Concert will feature inspiring selections and familiar favorites. Opening with Susato’s lively La Morisque, the Staples brass and winds will transport the audience to the spirited sounds of 1551 Germany, leading seamlessly into the annual Candlelight processional, Sing We Noel. The Full Orchestra will delight with March of the Toys from Victor Herbert’s Babes in Toyland, while the combined choral ensembles will share the Liberian folk song African Noel, Biebl’s setting of Ave Maria, and Barnett’s vibrant arrangement of the Ashkenazic folk song S’Vivon.

This year’s concert also offers an exciting first as Staples welcomes new Band Director Kevin Mazzarella to the podium, bringing fresh energy and leadership to this much-anticipated event. Audiences can also look forward to a stirring rendition of Aaron Copland’s The Promise of Living from The Tender Land, a hopeful, reflective close to the year, followed by the vibrant and dramatic Bacchanale by Saint-Saëns, showcasing the orchestra’s technical brilliance and ending the program on a lively note.

Continuing its tradition of memorable finales, the program will conclude with Alan Silvestri’s The Polar Express and George Frideric Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus, inviting the audience and performers alike to join in celebrating the spirit of the season.

In the spirit of the season, the Staples Tri-M Music Honor Society will be collecting for “CanDelight” Dec. 9-14, a canned food donation drive to benefit the Westport Homes for Hope Food Pantry. Collection bins will be in the lobby of Staples High School before each concert if you would like to contribute!

— Flyer from Westport Public Schools