Our Holiday Pops Concert returns as a beloved family favorite, featuring the Cape Ann Symphony Chorus under the joyful direction of Brittany Betts. This festive celebration brings seasonal magic through multiple performances filled with warmth and cheer. The program sparkles with Leroy Anderson's joyful Christmas Festival and a gorgeous arrangement of the timeless Greensleeves. Tchaikovsky's beloved Nutcracker Selections transport audiences through the enchanted world of Clara and her Prince with favorites including the spirited Trepak, elegant Waltz of the Flowers, and charming character dances. The concert celebrates the Festival of Lights with both Custer's grand Chanukah Festival in full orchestra splendor and Holcomb's Festive Sounds of Hannukah. Broadway magic shines through John Higgins' delightful Christmas on Broadway arrangement, while Sebesky's playful Christmas Scherzo and Pinkzebra's tender Winter Lullaby add moments of whimsy and reflection. The program also features John Rutter's exquisite choral work What Sweeter Music and the jubilant Rejoice! How Great Our Joy. The concert concludes with a joyous sing-along that brings the entire audience together in the spirit of the season — a perfect way to celebrate the holidays with your community!
The programme
The music
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Anderson
Christmas Festival
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arr. Sebesky
A Christmas Scherzo
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Tchaikovsky
Nutcracker Selections
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arr. Higgins
Christmas on Broadway (Ipswich only)
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Holcomb
Festive Sounds of Hannukah
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Rutter
What Sweeter Music
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arr. McElory
Rejoice! How Great Our Joy
Featured artist
Brittany Betts
Director, Cape Ann Symphony Chorus
Brittany Betts leads the Cape Ann Symphony Chorus, carrying forward a family legacy of choral excellence on Cape Ann. A Rockport native, she succeeds her mother, Wendy Betts, who shaped the chorus over sixteen seasons as its longtime director. Brittany made her Cape Ann Symphony debut leading the chorus at the beloved Holiday Pops concerts, joining Music Director Yoichi Udagawa and the orchestra for the season's most festive tradition.
"I am honored to be carrying on the tradition of choral excellence with the Cape Ann Symphony Chorus that my mom, Wendy Betts, so beautifully crafted for sixteen years," she says. Guided by a belief that music has the power to bring people together for good, Brittany brings beauty, skill, and joy to every performance — and a warm welcome to singers across the community who wish to raise their voices with the chorus.
Getting there
Before the downbeat
Venues
Dolan Performing Arts Center
134 High Street, Ipswich MA 01938
Manchester Essex Regional High School
36 Lincoln Street, Manchester-By-The-Sea MA 01944
Wheelchair accessible.
Parking
Free on-site parking
Lot opens 60 minutes before curtain. Overflow available in the adjacent municipal lot.
Doors
45 minutes before curtain
Please plan to be seated 5 minutes before the performance begins. Late seating is at the house manager's discretion.
Add to your calendar
Pick a performance
Dolan Performing Arts Center
Ipswich, MA
Add to calendar
11/28/2026 02:00 PM
11/28/2026 05:00 PM
America/New_York
CAS: 2026 Holiday Pops
Cape Ann Symphony
info@capeannsymphony.org
90
Cape Ann Symphony presents 2026 Holiday Pops
Dolan Performing Arts Center, 134 High Street, Ipswich MA 01938
About Dolan Performing Arts Center →
Manchester Essex Regional High School
Manchester-By-The-Sea, MA
Add to calendar
11/28/2026 07:30 PM
11/28/2026 10:30 PM
America/New_York
CAS: 2026 Holiday Pops
Cape Ann Symphony
info@capeannsymphony.org
90
Cape Ann Symphony presents 2026 Holiday Pops
Manchester Essex Regional High School, 36 Lincoln Street, Manchester-By-The-Sea MA 01944
About Manchester Essex Regional High School →
Manchester Essex Regional High School
Manchester-By-The-Sea, MA
Add to calendar
11/29/2026 02:00 PM
11/29/2026 05:00 PM
America/New_York
CAS: 2026 Holiday Pops
Cape Ann Symphony
info@capeannsymphony.org
90
Cape Ann Symphony presents 2026 Holiday Pops
Manchester Essex Regional High School, 36 Lincoln Street, Manchester-By-The-Sea MA 01944
About Manchester Essex Regional High School →
