Waterbury Symphony Orchestra Presents: “Christmas in Connecticut: The Ugly Sweater Edition”

Holiday Pops with a Twist

Sunday, December 7, 2025 | 3:00 PM | Fine Arts Center, Naugatuck Valley Community College, Waterbury

The Waterbury Symphony Orchestra (WSO) rings in the holiday season with festive flair and a touch of humor at its annual Holiday Pops Concert, this year titled “Christmas in Connecticut: The Ugly Sweater Edition.”

Led by Maestro Leif Bjaland, now in his 31st season as Artistic Director and Music Conductor, the concert will take place Sunday, December 7th at 3:00 at The Fine Arts Center at Connecticut Community Colleges/Naugatuck Valley, 750 Chase Parkway, Waterbury. Free accessible parking is available in the covered garage with elevator access to the main foyer.

Tickets start at $25 ($10 for students with ID), plus standard booking fees, and are available at www.waterburysymphony.org

It's our Holiday Pops Concert on Sunday Dec 7th! Christmas in CT: The Ugly Sweater Edition! With guest artist Soprano Katie Nicole Weiser [Center] and Leif in his 'ugly sweater'....get ready for an absolutely delightful concert.

This year’s program shines a spotlight on the music of Connecticut’s own Leroy Anderson, beloved worldwide for his timeless holiday classics. Featured works include A Christmas Festival, Sleigh Ride, and Pat-a-Pan, alongside other seasonal treasures such as Vaughn Williams’ Fantasia on Greensleeves, Guaraldi’s Christmas Time is Here, and traditional carols O Holy Night, Stille Nacht, and The Little Drummer Boy.

The concert welcomes Connecticut-born soprano Katie Nicole Weiser, praised by Connecticut Magazine as “golden voiced,” performing alongside 50 professional WSO musicians in arrangements both nostalgic and newly imagined.

“Holiday Pops is our way of bringing the entire community together in music, joy, and a bit of laughter,” said Maestro Leif Bjaland. “This year’s ‘Ugly Sweater Edition’ gives us permission to celebrate the season not just beautifully — but playfully. We want families to feel the warmth, humor, and connection that music inspires."

In the spirit of holiday fun, Maestro Bjaland, WSO staff, and board members will showcase their own versions of Christmas “ugly sweaters” — and audience members are invited to join the merriment!

As part of WSO’s new “Wear One & Bring One” initiative, concertgoers are encouraged to wear an ugly sweater and bring one to donate. WSO is partnering with local organizations to collect sweaters, hats, scarves, and gloves for individuals and families in need this holiday season.

“This concert is about joy — both in giving and in gathering,” shared WSO's Executive Director Doug Donato, “Music has the power to warm the heart, and this year, we’re adding a little warmth for others, too."

Adding to the evening’s charm, the concert will feature a special appearance by children from Bravo Waterbury!, the orchestra’s acclaimed after-school music program. Now in its 13th year, Bravo Waterbury! continues to transform lives through music education for underserved children and families in the Greater Waterbury community.

The Waterbury Symphony Orchestra extends sincere thanks to its 2025 Season Presenting Sponsor, Thermo Conductor Services of Prospect, and the Connecticut Summer Opera Foundation, proud Concert Sponsor for this year’s Holiday Pops.

Concert Details

What: Christmas in Connecticut: The Ugly Sweater Edition – Holiday Pops with a Twist

When: Sunday, December 7, 2025 | 3:00 PM (Doors open 2:15 PM)

Where: The Fine Arts Center, CT Community Colleges/Naugatuck Valley

Address: 750 Chase Parkway, Waterbury, CT

Tickets: From $25 | $10 for Students with ID (+ fees)

Tickets Online: Waterbury Symphony.org

Tickets By Phone: WSO/Palace Box Office:  203-346-2000 M-F 10-4pm

Music Program:

A Connecticut Christmas – The Ugly Sweater Edition

Conductor: Maestro Leif Bjaland

Anderson, A Christmas Festival 6.45

Herbert, March of the Toys 4:00

Pretorius, Lo, How the Rose 3:00

Katie Weiser and the Trombones

Adam,  O Holy Night   (Eb) 4:45

Katie Weiser and WSO

Gruber/Davis,  Stille nacht 5:00

Anderson, Sleigh Ride 2.30

Arr. Goodman, 

Medley: The Christmas Song &

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas  4:45

Katie Weiser and WSO

Arr. Goodman,  Mary’s Little Boy Child   4:20

Katie Weiser and WSO

Vaughn Williams, Fantasia on Greensleeves 4:20

Anderson,  Pat a Pan  2:00

Guaraldi, Christmas Time is Here 2:45

Bravo Waterbury! Ensemble

Davis, The Little Drummer Boy 3:00

Katie Weiser & Bravo Waterbury! Ensemble

 Arr. Goodman, We Wish You a Merry Christmas    4:30

About Guest Artist, Soprano Katie Weiser  

Praised by Connecticut Magazine as “golden voiced,” Connecticut native Katie Weiser has performed across the U.S. and Europe in opera, concert, and recital. A graduate of the University of Music in Graz, Austria, she also holds a Master’s degree in Vocal Performance from the Setnor School of Music and a B.A. in Music from Smith College. Her credits include performances at Lincoln Center, with the New York City Ballet, and in Baroque and classical works across Italy and Austria.

TICKETS & PARKING

Free accessible parking in covered garage

Tickets Starting at $25 plus standard booking fee; $10 for students with ID - Call box office

Tickets available at the door prior to the Concert

Tickets online, visit: waterburysymphony.org (http://waterburysymphony.org/)

Tickets by phone at WSO/The Palace Box Office: 203-346-2000*

For more information:

Waterbury Symphony Orchestra 

Telephone: 203-574-4283 

We also wish to thank our incredibly generous Season, Series & Concert sponsors:

For more information

By telephone to WSO, call 203-574-4283 [Tue, Thu, Fri 10 - 4pm] For Tickets Online, visit: www.waterburysymphony.org. For ticketing by Phone* 203-346-2000 [Mon - Fri 10 am - 5* pm]

*Via WSO/Palace Box Office

Waterbury Symphony Orchestra Telephone: 203-574-4283