"Mannheim Steamroller" at Bass Hall

MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER
at Bass Hall

It was just 5 days after Christmas but The Travelling Toe and Dear Friend were still in the festive mood.  We were so lucky to be able to attend the 32nd annual Christmas tour of Mannheim Steamroller presented at Bass Hall In Fort Worth.  It is possible that the Angels that adorn Bass Hall also joined in the music program by playing their trumpets !!  One never knows for sure!!!

Bass Hall

We have seen several of their shows and Dear Friend admitted that she had all their CD's. The Travelling also must admit her personal collection is growing too.

Mannheim Steamroller has 2 touring groups and the ensemble we saw was the Red Tour Cast.  We saw some familiar faces on stage.

The first part of the program was devoted to all Christmas music, both secular and sacred. All the selections played were excellent but a few favorites were:

                                       We Three Kings

                                       O Tannenbaum

                                        Faeries from "The Nutcracker"

The first half of the program ended with a lovely rendition of "O Holy Night".

After a short intermission, the orchestra took stage and opened the second half with "Hallelujah". Then, an interesting rendition of "Greensleeves" followed.  The next seven selections played were from the Fresh Aire experience. The program closed with other Christmas favorites and ended with the "Carol of the Bells".  

Ovations were given and the players took center stage again to play several more songs.

Just a side note - the two percussion players were working all the time and not just playing the drums as they played other instruments as well.  Additionally the oboe player was excellent!

What a glorious night!!!!  We thoroughly enjoyed the performance!!!!  Hope they return to Fort Worth!!