In a genuinely collaborative endeavor, the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, Kalamazoo Singers Holiday Chorus, Kalamazoo Children's Chorus and soprano soloist Alfrelynn Roberts merged their talents Saturday evening to present the second annual "Home for the Holidays" program at Chenery Auditorium.

As KSO Music Director Raymond Harvey explained to the large audience, the annual musical event is meant to help bridge the gap between Thanksgiving and Christmas. To do so, the KSO enlists the musical assistance of other musical ensembles in what emerges as a true community experience. The myriad children scattered throughout the appropriately decorated hall confirmed the popularity of this communal effort.

Throughout the first half of the concert, the orchestra - wearing red accent ties, boutonnieres or scarves - was involved in every piece. Opening was the KSO's playing of Humperdinck's glorious overture to his opera "Hansel and Gretel." After a mushy start, the orchestra got its bearings, ultimately providing a lush, pleasing rendition of the work.

Immediately following, it was the Kalamazoo Singers' turn to shine. Bach's beloved "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" was their selection, and it received solid support from the orchestra.

The chorus, again in collaboration with the KSO, then sang Aaron Copland's "The Promise of Living," from his 1954 opera "The Tender Land." Both singers and players seemed dedicated to rendering this American classic with both emotional and intellectual values. It was very enjoyable.

Roberts took the stage to sing Franz Schubert's all-time favorite, "Ave Maria." Roberts' vocal timbre was pleasantly distinctive, displaying a light warbling quality that was appropriate for a song about the Virgin Mary. However, Maestro Harvey's pace may have been overly brisk, and the orchestra often left the soloist behind. Adding to the situation was the softness of Roberts' voice. At times it could not be heard when the orchestra was playing - at least not from the third-floor balcony.

Maestro Harvey chose an exciting, imaginative arrangement by Shaw / Bennett for a five-carol medley called "Many Moods of Christmas, Suite 4," which closed the first half of the program. For me, this portion of the concert was stunning and the evening's high point.

Ingeniously braiding the Kalamazoo Singers' choral part with that of the orchestra, each of the five familiar selections emerged as mini-gems. Orchestral scoring was exceptional, and the singers never sounded better, as together they performed such favorites as "The First Noel," "I Saw Three Ships" and "Deck the Halls." 

Conductor Thomas Kasdorf took the podium after the intermission to head his a cappella singers in several standard carols performed in striking arrangements. He also led his 150-person ensemble in accompanying Roberts. Her rendition of Lee's marvelous spiritual "Sweet Little Jesus Boy" was very affecting, thanks to her pure tones and vocal gentleness. Her performance will not soon be forgotten by those in the audience. Maestro Harvey returned to conduct the remainder of the concert.

Another highlight was the singing of the Kalamazoo Children's Chorus, whose leader and conductor was Frederic Sang. Their four holiday songs, sung in unison or two-part harmony, emerged clearly, always on pitch and with professional attention to attacks and releases. The purity of their overall sound reminded the audience why such children's choirs are so popular. Their work was first rate.

After two other orchestra pieces, Maestro Harvey invited the audience to join the amassed performers in a carol sing-along to end the evening. From the pleasure visible among audience members, it seems safe to assume that there will be a "Home for the Holidays" next year, too. That gives everyone time to practice before the next sing-along.