Oskaloosa Symphony performs to large crowd

The Guest Conductors stand waiting to get a chance to conduct the orchestra

The Oskaloosa Symphony performed its annual ‘Music of Christmas’ concert to a large crowd this evening. The symphony was joined by Oskaloosa High School Orchestra as well as the Oskaloosa Community Choir. Maestro Tony Chang said that of the 75 members of the Orchestra, about 55 of them were from the High School. The symphony played 12 selections including Sleigh Ride, Radetzky March, and Selections from “The Nutcracker Ballet”.

Jason Alons directs the orchestra to 'Waltz of the Flowers'

Towards the end of this year’s concert was the annual celebrity guest conductor contest.This years guest conductor candidates were Jason Alons, Linda Fox, Sue Lynn, Russ Reiter, and MaryRuffridge. These candidates had the opportunity to raise money before the concert. The candidate that raised the most money would be the 2010 celebrity guest conductor. This year’s Celebrity Guest Conductor was Mary Ruffridge.

Symphony Executive Director Bob Auld reported that together all five guest conductor candidates raised over $6,000. All the money raised by the guest conductors will be used by the Symphony.