The holidays are a time to honour traditions, make new ones and help spread cheer. This weekend, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra takes to the Centennial Concert Hall to perform in their annual Holiday Pops showcase with plenty of musical merriment to go around. 

“We always try to celebrate the holidays through music at the WSO,” says Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra Associate Conductor Julian Pellicano, who leads this weekend’s concerts. 

In a program featuring a wide range of performers, ensembles and guest readers, the 2021 WSO Holiday Pops concert reconnects Pellicano with past collaborators in a celebration of spirit of the holidays. 

“I really couldn’t be happier,” beams Pellicano. “It’s going to be really fantastic music, really wonderful people and we’re really just all about bringing the orchestra together, the audience together and all of these artists together to celebrate.” 

WSO Holiday Pops takes place 7:30 pm Friday and Saturday at the Centennial Concert Hall with a matinee performance Sunday at 2 pm. 

For more details, visit: www.wso.ca

The concert is also available to stream online via mywso.tv

A very festive maestro Julian Pellicano joined Simeon Rusnak to preview the show. Find the conversation—sleigh bells and all!—below.