HOLIDAY CONCERT: The Westminster Community Orchestra presents its annual “Holiday Favorites and Sing-along,” led by Ruth Ochs, on December 17.

The Westminster Community Orchestra, conducted by Ruth Ochs, will present their annual family holiday concert “Holiday Favorites and Sing-along” on Wednesday, December 17, at 7:30 p.m. in Hillman Hall, in the Cullen Center, on the Westminster campus, Walnut Lane.

While the performance is free, the orchestra will continue its long-standing tradition of accepting free-will cash donations at the door to benefit and be distributed to area food pantries and service organizations. Audience members requiring seating assistance should arrive at 7:15 p.m.

The performance will feature a variety of seasonal favorites including “Frosty the Snowman,” “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “We Wish you a Merry Christmas,” and more. The program will also include Tchaikovsky’s March from The Nutcracker, as well as compositions written by two members of the orchestra: the world premiere of Cliff Wilson’s Opening Presents and Beth LaPat’s Chanukah Songs. The audience will be invited to lend their voices in Leroy Anderson’s popular Christmas Festival.

Now in her 21st season as conductor and music director of the Westminster Community Orchestra, Ruth Ochs has led the group in performances of major orchestral and choral-orchestral works, including symphonies by Beethoven, Brahms, Haydn, Mozart, Saint-Saëns, Shostakovich, and Tchaikovsky. Under her leadership, the orchestra continues to feature ensembles and soloists from the Westminster Conservatory and highlight works by local and under-represented composers.

Ochs is currently a senior lecturer in the Princeton University Department of Music, where she is in her 24th season as the conductor of the Princeton University Sinfonia.

Now in its 39th season, the Westminster Community Orchestra is known for performances that showcase the artistry, commitment, and passion of a true community ensemble. The group presents popular programs noted for their diverse repertoire and widespread appeal. Members are professional and gifted amateur musicians from New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Visit rider.edu/about/events for more information, or call (609) 921-7104.