Schaumburg Orchestra and Choirs perform Holiday Concert Dec. 16 at Prairie Center

Over 100 musicians and singers unite to present the annual "Presto!" Holiday Concert at Schaumburg's Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts. Two performances will be presented at 3 and 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16. The program will feature the Schaumburg Youth Symphony Orchestra, Kevan Kosobayashi, director, and four ensembles from the Schaumburg Choral Program: the Schaumburg Choral Artists and SCA2, Tim Koll, director; Cantabile, Sarah Inendino, director; and Prelude, Erin Kozakis, director.

The holiday concert series debuted in 1999, as an offshoot of the advanced Symphony Orchestra's popular "Presto!" series of themed programs for young audiences. A community favorite from the start, the holiday concerts have featured a variety of talents, including guest narrators, actors, opera soloists, and even a 20-member drum line. In 2015, the then newly formed Schaumburg Choral Program joined the orchestra, starting a new "Presto!" holiday tradition that continues to attract area families.

The concert features a variety of classical, pop and traditional carols. Orchestra works include music from Bizet's L'Arlésienne suites, Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker, Vaughan-Williams' "Fantasia on Greensleeves," and Leroy Anderson's "Sleigh Ride." Seasonal choral selections include "The Holly and the Ivy," "The First Noel," "O Come O Come Emmanuel," "Hanukkah Hayom!," and "Sparklejollytwinklejingley" from Broadway musical "Elf."

Tickets for the "Presto!" Holiday Concert, $24, ($18 students and seniors), can be ordered online at prairiecenter.org or by calling (847) 895-3600. The Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts is at 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg.

The Schaumburg Youth Orchestra and Choral Program are presented by the village of Schaumburg.