The Kamloops Symphony Orchestra’s most cherished seasonal tradition, Christmas with the KSO, returns to Sagebrush Theatre on Dec. 12 and 13 at 7:30 p.m., offering a celebration that blends musical nostalgia, community connection, and festive cheer.
With carol sing-alongs, holiday favourites, and a sweeping program led by conductor Daniel Black, this year’s edition brings together more than 120 performers, including the KSO Chorus, students from the KSO Music School, and guest soprano Rebecca Bamford.
For Executive Director Christopher Young, the event remains one of the community’s most meaningful holiday touchpoints. “Christmas with the KSO is that warm, cozy blanket in the middle of winter. It is tradition and fun and joy for the entire family.”
The concert’s mix of classical and contemporary music offers something for everyone. “We get to mix classical and contemporary music that people know and some things that people don’t know. Ultimately, it’s kind of like the kitchen sink that we try to make sure that everybody is represented,” Young said.
What truly distinguishes the concert is the sense of togetherness it fosters. “It really is joy. It’s a moment where we come together and just celebrate who we are as a community,” Young said.
The evening features opportunities for audiences to sing together, alongside performers from multiple generations.
“To be able to have kids and grandparents and parents all together in one space and just feeling joy, you can’t match that in any other experience,” Young said.
A major highlight of this year’s program is the live-to-film performance of The Snowman, the Oscar-nominated animated classic from the 1980s. The orchestra will perform the full score as the film plays on a screen behind them.
Local soprano Rebecca Bamford, a past winner of the KSO Mentorship Awards, will perform the iconic song “Walking in the Air,” along with selections by Mozart.
Young describes the score as “absolutely gorgeous music” and says the orchestra is thrilled to bring it back to Kamloops after many years.
Behind the scenes, organizing a production of this scale requires months of planning. Young notes that preparations for future seasons begin well in advance.
“These discussions happen early, we’re already having discussions about 2026,” Young said.
Coordinating performers, rehearsal space, backstage areas, and audience logistics takes an extraordinary level of detail. “Any missing aspect can really damage the experience for the audience and for the performers as well,” Young said.
As the event continues to evolve the KSO anticipates new possibilities with the upcoming Kamloops Centre for the Arts.
“We are looking forward to the experience that [the Kamloops Centre for the Arts] is going to be able to create to make these community-focused events really come to life even more,” Young said.
Until then, the KSO remains focused on maintaining the quality and heart that have made the concert a beloved annual tradition.
For many in Kamloops, Christmas with the KSO marks the start of the season. As Young puts it, the event has grown into “a celebration of community and how we reflect the community back on itself.” With cherished music, local talent, and shared joy, this year’s concert aims to do exactly that.
Tickets for the event can be found at Kamloopslive.com