HAPPY HOLIDAYS from the Cincinnati Pops!

Each of us has our own special holiday traditions and favorite memories. Fanfare Magazine caught up with a few of our Orchestra members and asked them to share their holiday stories.

Does your family have any special holiday traditions?

Rachel Charbel, violin, Ida Ringling North Chair
Yes, we always eat pizza on Christmas Eve.

Caterina Longhi, viola
We are Italian, and so our tradition is mostly based around food! On Christmas Eve we prepare and eat all kinds of seafood and fish. And on Christmas Day we have lasagna that we all help make early in the day. Then for dessert our tradition is frying balls of dough and shaking them in bags of sugar to make Zeppole!

Christopher Philpotts, Principal English Horn, Alberta & Dr. Maurice Marsh Chair
When I was young, my siblings and I were allowed to open one joint present from under the tree on Christmas Eve. We would squish and shake the packages to find just the right one. My mom would try to trick us though. So, one year, we picked the most interesting package only to find out it was a ball of string. Mom had a pretty good laugh at us!

Joseph Bricker, Associate Principal Timpani and section percussion, Morleen & Jack Rouse Chair

When my family celebrates Hanukkah, we often will have special meals for specific nights of the holiday. My favorite of these is when we make a boatload of latkes (potato pancakes), and get a bunch of deli meat, cheese, coleslaw, deli salads, and just make latke cold cut sandwiches, complete with the apple sauce and sour cream. I look forward to that meal maybe more than I look forward to Thanksgiving.

What is your favorite thing about the holiday season?

Rachel Charbel
I love being reunited with my family and childhood friends in my hometown (Bellingham, Washington).

Luis Celis, bass
My favorite part of the holiday season is spending time with loved ones and enjoying each other’s company!

Caterina Longhi

Spending time with family!

Chris Philpotts
Simply put, being with family and friends—enjoying the giving spirit of the season!

Joe Bricker
I love the feeling of coming inside from the cold and warming up with my family and loved ones and pets over tea or coffee and celebrating each other. I feel so grateful for my life, and the holiday season just amplifies those feelings!

Joseph Rodriguez, Assistant Principal Trombone
Being with family and friends, cooking and singing, Christmas tree and movies!