St. Anthony Civic Orchestra percussionists donned aprons and beat spoons on metal bowls to perform “Christmas in the Kitchen,” at the Dec. 6 concert. (Mark Peterson)
The St. Anthony Civic Orchestra, under the direction of conductor and artistic director Carol Jensen, gave its 50th Year Christmas Concert at the St. Anthony Community Center on Friday, Dec. 6. The 38-member ensemble was met with twice that many audience members for the event.
Before raising her baton, which she called the most important instrument in the concert, Jensen remarked on the history of some of the music in the program.
“Jingle Bells” was published in 1857 to commemorate the American Thanksgiving holiday, and “Silver Bells” refers to the bells rung at Salvation Army kettles. She also introduced the composer of “Christmas is Just ‘Round the Corner,” Glen Newton, who was in the audience. For “Christmas in the Kitchen,” the percussionists donned aprons and played spoons on metal bowls.
Jensen also hailed oboist David Braslau, the longest-serving member of the orchestra at age 89.
She said two of the evening’s selections, “Three Noels” and “A Christmas Festival,” were played at the orchestra’s very first concert, on Dec. 4, 1975. Friday’s concert was number 433 for the group, which has played at 61 area venues, including 57 performances at the long-gone Apache Plaza center and 16 at the Lake Harriet Bandshell.