SLSO: Mercy Holiday Celebration

When: Fri., Dec. 21, 2 & 7:30 p.m., Sat., Dec. 22, 2 & 7:30 p.m. and Sun., Dec. 23, 2 p.m. 2018

The St. Louis Symphony's main gig is classical music, of course, but the best big band in town dabbles in so-called "popular" music from time to time. Christmas, with its carols and standards, is just such a time. The Mercy Holiday Celebration is a long-standing tradition, complete with the songs of the season, a beautifully decorated Powell Hall and soprano Camille Zamora. Conductor Gemma New leads the combined St. Louis Symphony and Holiday Festival Chorus through the songs of the season at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday (December 21 to 23) at Powell Hall (718 North Grand Boulevard; www.slso.org). Santa Claus will be in attendance as well; tickets are $28 to $73.

— Paul Friswold