Whether it’s a song, movie or a distant memory, there is always something that puts us in a festive mood. We surveyed our musicians to see what gets them into the holiday spirit. Season’s greetings from all of us at the Houston Symphony!
Andrew Pedersen, double bass
Sponsored by Barbara J. Burger
What is the most memorable holiday gift you have ever received? Gameboy 1998.
Do you have any special holiday traditions? Going to midnight mass, then opening presents at 2am.
Sergei Galperin, first violin
Sponsored by Rochelle & Max Levit and Jay & Shirley Marks
Favorite Christmas movie? It’s a Wonderful Life.
What is your favorite holiday song? The Christmas Song.
Robin Kesselman, principal double bass
Sponsored by Ralph Burch
Favorite Christmas Movie? Nightmare Before Christmas.
What is your favorite holiday song? The entire A Charlie Brown Christmas album.
Do you have any special or unusual holiday traditions? My sister and I always got a jar of “Lindsay” brand olives in our stocking (Her name is Lindsay).
Sponsored by Rita & Paul Morico
What is your favorite holiday song? Feliz Navidad, because my friends change the words to Elise Navidad. It’s goofy.
Favorite Christmas movie? The Muppet Christmas Carol.
What is the most memorable holiday gift you have ever received? When I was 6, my father surprised me with a cat I was so happy, tears flowed. Cinammon lived to a ripe old age of 16!
William VerMeulen, principal horn
Sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. Alexander K. McLanahan
What is the most memorable holiday gift you have ever received? My brother made a homemade chopper-style bicycle for me when I was 10 years old. Must have taken weeks to put it together and find the parts. Was one of the few acts of kindness I remember from him. He passed away now more than 22 years ago.
What is your favorite holiday song? All of them! I sing them so much during the year that my colleagues in the viola section tell me to keep quiet.
Favorite Christmas Movie? A Christmas Story, especially the ending. Because I love singing Christmas songs, and I’m Chinese, I really enjoy singing the “Farararara” part.
