Ukulele & orchestra combine at this holiday performance

This holiday season, witness the ukulele's versatility as it takes centre stage with a full orchestra accompaniment for a unique festive performance.

Celebrations will be in full swing as the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra (OSO) presents Yuletide Ukulele.

Described as dazzling live performers, virtuoso James Hill will strum seasonal songs alongside singer/songwriter and cellist, Anne Janelle.

The shows in, Kelowna, Penticton and Vernon will be a harmonious blend of new musical gifts and traditional favourites. The night will also welcome the release of the pair's new holiday recording, 'The Midnight Clear'.

"We’re trying to bridge the gap between traditional and contemporary music – and that is something orchestras are doing all the time," Janelle said. "They always have one foot in the past and one foot in the future."

Interactivity is a big part of the concert. The ukulele community is notably hands-on, often bringing their own instruments to strum along. Both Hill & Janelle are thrilled to offer attendees the chance to join in the music.

"There's not many chances you get to go to an orchestra concert and sing along with the band. So, it is going to be pretty special," Hill added.

Both anticipate the abundance of ukuleles will help create "aloha vibes," heightening the warm, welcoming atmosphere.

If you're new to orchestral music, Yuletide Ukulele is the perfect place to start. Hill described the performance as "the most friendly, inviting, warm introduction you could hope to have" to orchestra.

Experiencing an orchestra live, with its resonating sound filling the room, is unparalleled, he said.

"It's a ukulele show that happens to have an orchestra in the room," Hill joked.

Janelle described the new holiday album as a cozy, background soundtrack to the holidays. They hope listeners find it enhances the beauty of the season, wrapping them in a warm blanket of music.

These shows are the culmination of three years of efforts to bring the couple to the Okanagan. It also continues the OSO’s work to make the orchestra more accessible and expand its appeal — to create unique experiences that are a little bit out of the box.

The OSO's holiday program is always one of its most successful. Given the later date of the show, it tends to draw entire families as relatives arrive in town, children return home from school, and office parties subside.

It brings a wonderful energy, using beautiful music to put everyone in the mood for the festive season.

The program will include a Vivaldi concerto, originally meant for guitar, that Hill will bring to life on his ukulele, as well as a suite he has written for ukulele and orchestra. The second half will include the holiday tunes Hill and Janelle have put together.

Tickets for the shows, which run Dec. 15, 16, and 17, can be purchased online.