Bijou Orchestra is Boffo with Third Holiday Pops Concert

Quality, Variety of Musical Performances Wows Big Crowds

December 11, 2005
By: Dave Rogers

The quality and variety of the Bijou Orchestra's third annual "Holiday Pops" concert soared to the 40-foot high vaulted ceiling of the Scottish Rite Masonic Center's auditorium Friday night.

Maestro Leo Najar has reached the highest levels of professional achievement by gathering 13 professional musicians from around the state and Virginia for the Bijou.

Attendees also need to thank Bay Regional Medical Center, major sponsor of the concert, for a quality production not available except in metropolitan areas.

Most importantly, about 100 students from Central High School were part of the cast, learning from professionals as well as by performing before a community audience.

The variety of the production was expressed not only by the youth choirs, the 25-member all-female Resounding Harmony, and the Varsity Choir comprised of 72 men and women, but also:

Fiddler and vocalist Andy Rogers who not only lends an authentic tone to Jewish songs in Klezmer style but also provides yamulkes for the director and orchestra members to the delight of the audience.

The 13 member Bells on High choir from First United Methodist Church, Saginaw, directed by orchestra pianist Catherine McMichael, of Saginaw.

A violin duet by father and son Roderick and 10-year-old Nathan Bieber.

Melodious flute solo "Minuet and Dance of the Spirits" by Kelly McDermott, native Bay Cityan who has returned home after years of performing in New York, Philadelphia and metropolitan centers around the nation.

The blend of the old traditional favorites and unfamiliar classical pieces provided another element of variety that spiced the concert.

If you missed "Holiday Pops" this year, put it on your calendar now for next year. It is a memorable treasure of entertainment.###