Florida Intergenerational Orchestra welcomes Yuletide season with ‘A Concert Extravaganza’

The Florida Intergenerational Orchestra encourages lovers of holiday music and dance and folks who cherish the most wonderful time of the year to celebrate the season of festivities with its ‘Holiday Concert Extravaganza’ on Sunday, Dec. 7 at 3 p.m. in O’Shea Hall at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 22094 Lyons Road, Boca Raton. Doors open at 2:30 p.m.

Under the direction of Lorraine Marks-Field, the orchestra’s founder and conductor, the spectacle of music and cheer promises a joyful afternoon for children and adults. The event will offer a time filled with musical favorites, heartwarming melodies and inspiring performances from an ensemble of 60 musicians ranging in age from 8 to 96.

“The orchestra, now in its 20th anniversary season, brings together players from multiple generations — children, parents, grandparents and retirees — proving that music truly bridges the ages,” said Marks-Field. “This special holiday performance will feature beloved classics, sparkling surprises and audience sing-alongs that will spread the spirit of the season among all in the audience. 

“This concert is all about joy, connection and community,” the conductor added. “It’s wonderful to see generations performing side by side, sharing the gift of music together.”

Special guests who’ll travel the holiday road to be in the show that afternoon include actor Peter Galman from “As the World Turns” who will narrate the famed holiday poem, “The Night Before Christmas.” That jolly old gent, Santa Claus, will be on hand to meet with the young and old and spread his unique brand of seasonal spirit.

The New Florida Follies, an ensemble described by Marks-Field as “an amazing precision dance troupe choreographed by a former Rockette,” will display their fancy footwork to the winter wonder-tune, “Sleigh Ride.”

Vocalist Vince Zabik will lead a sing-along and will also perform the Irving Berlin classic, “White Christmas.”  He will also sing Mel Torme’s holiday favorite, “The Christmas Song,” accompanied on keyboards by Bob Field, husband of the group’s founder/conductor.

The age-mixed music group will also present its signature tune, “The Syncopated Clock,” during the two-hour production.

Marks-Field said some surprises are planned to celebrate the orchestra’s 20th anniversary. 

Talking about the genesis of the performance group, she said that in 2005, “the Century Village Orchestra stopped performing.”  She said she worked with them and other interested musicians in the community to revive the assemblage – and that’s how the FLIOA came to be.

She said she also had experience organizing a similar group of musicians in New Jersey before moving to Florida.

Looking forward to the upcoming production, she encouraged the community to “enjoy your favorite songs with FLIOA’s full symphony orchestra. The audience will be filled with families and friends of the musicians. We want them all to enjoy the show.”

Just a few days ago, Marks-Field said she and the orchestra were recognized as “Home Town Heros” by CBS-TV Channel 12 for their contribution to the entertainment field in Boca and the surrounding area.

She also noted that a video commercial promoting the FLIOA “was produced by our friends at Eric Kline Productions and edited by Adam Cooper.” Kline, a video producer, is a long-time supporter of the orchestra.

Folks from throughout the area are invited to bring family, friends — and lots of holiday cheer – to the church auditorium for the production. Those planning to attend are asked to donate an unwrapped gift for the Boca Raton Rotary Toy Drive. Coloring tables will be set up in the back of the hall for children to express their artistic talents.

Tickets are available at the door or online at www.flioa.org. Those planning to attend also can call 561-922-3134. 

The cost of general seating is $20, VIP seats (the first three rows) are $40 and children under 12 are admitted free. Parking is also free.