Arts Orillia is bringing together young musicians from across the region for a seasonal celebration of music, announcing a collaborative youth concert titled Let it Snow, to be staged December 3 at 7 p.m. at the Orillia Opera House. The event marks a significant partnership between Arts Orillia, Brassworks, and students from Twin Lakes Secondary School, Orillia Secondary School, Patrick Fogarty Catholic Secondary School and Kempenfelt Bay School.
The concert highlights Arts Orillia’s ongoing commitment to supporting youth in the arts and providing opportunities for emerging performers to gain professional-level experience. Students will perform a variety of winter and holiday pieces, including “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day,” “Christmas Time is Here,” and a full-audience sing-along, forming what organizers describe as an engaging, community-centred night of seasonal music.
“With the support of their talented music teachers – current and retired – these Youth will fill the stage with winter song classics,” the organization noted in its announcement. “This is one you should not miss!”
Brassworks, the long-established Orillia-based ensemble leading the musical collaboration, is directed by acclaimed musician Curtis Metcalf. In preparation for the concert, Brassworks has arranged mentorship clinics with two guest artists: Alex Dean, a respected Canadian saxophonist, and Dylan Bell, a vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and arranger. Both will work directly with student performers to strengthen their musicianship and build a positive ensemble experience ahead of the performance.
Adding to the evening’s lineup is Orillia vocalist and educator Christina Bosco, who will perform on stage with the students. Bosco, who has taught at Twin Lakes Secondary School since 2003, emphasized the value of cross-school collaboration and the rare opportunity for young musicians to perform in a professional venue.
“I love that we collaborate with the other schools,” said Bosco. “It’s just a really nice community effort that we bring all these musicians together to create amazing music. And it’s an exciting thing for musicians to be able to play and sing on the Opera House stage because it’s so professional, and it feels really cool to be up there with the lights on you! And I want the students to experience that.”
Arts Orillia, along with the Orillia Opera House and the City of Orillia, is providing substantial support to stage the event. The organization says showcasing youth artists in a historic performance space is an important part of nurturing emerging talent and fostering long-term confidence in young performers as they develop creatively.
“When the community comes together to elevate our Youth, we give them the confidence and opportunities needed to build a strong foundation of self-worth so they can become our future successful leaders,” Arts Orillia stated.
Tickets are now on sale, with organizers encouraging the community to attend and help cultivate what they describe as a “vibrant, creative community.” Details are available at www.artsorillia.ca.
Arts Orillia operates year-round programming designed to support youth and artists while advancing cultural inclusion across the region. Its initiatives include workshops, school programs, camps and performances that aim to provide accessible arts experiences for audiences and creators alike. The organization also focuses on promoting critically acclaimed performances and fostering connections between local and visiting artists.
Media inquiries may be directed to Artistic Director Kate Hilliard at (416) 455-365.
As Arts Orillia summarizes its mission: bringing the arts to life—and, on December 3, bringing young musicians to one of Orillia’s most iconic stages for a festive, community-driven celebration.
