LBHS Winter Concert revives holiday spirit

The Long Beach High School Winter Concert, featuring performances from the orchestra, chamber orchestra, men’s choir, select choir and chorus, went off as originally scheduled in spite of the disruptions caused by Superstorm Sandy.

Under the baton of Felicia Wilson, the chamber orchestra opened the show with four pieces, including the holiday traditional “Ukrainian Carol.” Following was the men’s choir, conducted by Michael Capobianco, who harmonized on the Billy Joel doo-wop classic “The Longest Time.” Mr. Capobianco remained on stage to conduct the select choir through a pair of winter-themed chestnuts, including Frank Loesser’s “Baby It’s Cold Outside.” Returning to a classical theme, Ms. Wilson took her post again, this time to lead the orchestra through a trio of songs that included Haydn’s Symphony No. 63 in C. The chorus and Mr. Capobiano closed the show with five songs, highlighted by the traditional spiritual “Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel.”

The concert ended with rousing applause from the audience, who were appreciative of the tireless efforts made by the students and staff to perform at such a high level after having missed so much school and practice time following Superstorm Sandy.