Ring in the New Year with the Lexington Symphony

The following is a press release from the Lexington Symphony.

On New Year's Eve from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. at in Lexington Center, the Lexington Symphony is throwing a gala party to “Swing in the New Year."

After the great success of last year’s event, the Symphony is excited to present an even more festive and lavish affair this year to benefit the orchestra and it’s youth and community outreach.

This year’s entertainment will be provided by the Lexington Symphony Big Band.

“This is really a concert you can dance to”, said Symphony President Fred Johnson. “Guests are invited to dance the night away to classics of Frank Sinatra, Benny Goodman, the Dorsey Brothers, Count Basie and more. If you prefer to come for the big band concert experience, this year we’ll be opening the balcony level for just that.”

Midway through the party, our Music Director Jonathan McPhee will arrive directly from conducting Boston Ballet’s The Nutcracker. After welcoming guests and presenting a live auction of exciting experiences and adventures, he will lead the second half the program telling the story of the Great American Songbook, a tribute to the great Glenn Miller.

“I grew up with the Glenn Miller sound and concerts in the U.S. Air Force," said McPhee These tunes are so iconic to American music history and it’s really fun for me to be up on stage with these guys.”

Lexington Symphony is excited to welcome vocalist Bradford Gleim in renditions of these American classics. Although primarily a classical vocalist, Gleim has extensive experience singing jazz, rock and blues having sung in a wide variety of bands and ensembles prior to his decision to focus his career in opera, oratorio and art song. In fact, he recently joined the faculty at Berklee College of Music where he is teaching the next generation of vocal artists the skills necessary to excel in various musical styles and genres.

McPhee says of Bradford, “He has a great pop/jazz voice and an equally fabulous classical sound. He will certainly engage our audience and will just be terrific!”

Throughout the night, guests will enjoy the flavors of as well as a beer/wine cash bar,late night dessert and coffee, and complimentary champagne at midnight!

This year there will be two ticket options. Guests will be invited to come to a special “mix and mingle” piano reception at 8:30 p.m., before the dancing begins, and to enjoy a table on the floor, hors d’oeuvres and two complimentary drink tickets for $125 a person. For $75 a person, guests can enjoy dancing starting at 9:30 and seating in the balcony, which has a great view.

Gala tickets are available online at the Lexington Symphony website, by phone at 781-523-9009, or with your check payable to Lexington Symphony, P.O. Box 194, Lexington, MA 02420. Groups are encouraged to call the Lexington Symphony box office to make special requests.