Abravanel Hall is all dressed up this weekend in vibrant color and brilliant sparkle for the Utah Symphony’s Holiday Pops Extravaganza. Guest conductor Lucas Waldin leads an up-tempo program of holiday favorites, Capathia Jenkins and Ryan Shaw deliver expressive vocals, and Vedrana Subotic adds beautiful piano melodies to the symphony’s orchestration. This is a fun, festive concert, and the familiarity of the music makes it easily accessible for concert-goers of all ages and backgrounds. I am happy to have attended Friday night, and I recommend it as a lighthearted addition to your holiday plans.
A joy-filled Overture to Miracle on 34th Street (1994) and beautifully arranged “Holiday Fanfare No. 1” frame the evening’s selection of well-known Christmas songs. Waldin pushes the tempo throughout the evening so that the energy never wanes, and he engages the audience with humorous remarks. (He quips at the end that the audience should return tonight for “the same show and the same jokes.”) Capathia Jenkins’ singing is smooth and pristine with warm tones underneath. Ryan Shaw displays versatility with a beautiful upper register, deep low notes, a consistent mellow tone, and interesting embellishments. The entire program was just what I wanted for a relaxed evening, and from beginning to end, it is deserving of complimentary remarks. I will elaborate on a few of my favorite moments.
- “Winter Wonderland” – Capathia Jenkins: This showcases her legato singing and very clear tone. The symphony, particulary the strings, does a nice job with the syncopated timing.
- “This Christmas” – Ryan Shaw: This rendition is particularly upbeat with a good arrangement for the orchestra. Shaw gives his performance a lot of power and energy.
- “Someday at Christmas” – Capathia Jenkins and Ryan Shaw: This song was made popular by Stevie Wonder. I appreciate its inclusion because of its message, a hopeful plea for a future free of violence, war, and injustice — one way to interpret living out the true meaning of Christmas. Jenkins’ very deliberate, conversational pacing at the beginning adds impact to each phrase. When Shaw joins in, his voice is very dynamic, and his embellishment of the melody gives the message passion and urgency.
- “You Make It Feel Like Christmas” – Capathia Jenkins and Ryan Shaw: This song has a romantic country feel to it. Jenkins and Shaw lean into the blues elements of the song while remaining smooth and connected.
- “Grown-Up Christmas List” – Capathia Jenkins and Ryan Shaw: Jenkins and Shaw both give this beautiful phrasing, and their harmony is impeccable.
- “Mary, Did You Know” – Capathia Jenkins: Jenkins’ interpretation of this song is deeply moving and soulful with incredible warmth, articulation, and captivating sustained notes. She “takes the audience to church.” That idiom is the most accurate and direct way to describe her performance. A few audience members spontaneously gave her a standing ovation even though the concert wasn’t over. The orchestra and piano are particularly beautiful on this song as well.
- “O Holy Night” – Ryan Shaw: Shaw demonstrates his solid range on this song — clear and sweet high notes, full low notes, and meaningful variations of the melody. He becomes increasingly soulful toward the end, particularly on the phrase “Christ is the Lord!”
Tickets are still available for tonight’s performance. Click here or call the box office at 801-533-6683 to purchase.
The Good Life 
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