I found this beautiful, amazing, simply wonderful concert, Holiday Pops 2009 by the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, on my new favorite internet radio site, Instant Encore. The playlist, which you can listen to for free, is as follows:

Courtney: Holiday Pops Overture      
Handel: Judas Maccabaeus, HWV 63      
Vivaldi: Concerto for Violin in F minor, Op. 8 no 4/RV 297 “L’inverno” (Winter)      
Main: Wonder Tidings
Stroope: All My Heart This Night Rejoices      
Traditional: Deck the Halls      
Traditional: Three Christmas Carols      
Wilberg: One December, Bright and Clear      
Rutter: Nativity Carol      
Wilberg: Ding Dong Merrily on High      
Torme: Christmas Is      
Anderson: Sleigh Ride      
Bass: Twas the Night before Christmas      
Herman: We Need a Little Christmas      
Traditional: Christmas Memories      
Wendel: The Best Christmas of All      

Venue: Ohio Theatre (Columbus)
Recording Date: Sun 6 Dec 2009

I LOVE the variety of pieces chosen and would like to note that one of our local composers, Mack Wilberg (director of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir) is featured twice (the only one on here twice) in the line up. Listening to a taping of a live concert can be so satisfying - its nice to here it like it is, rather than some sound engineers dream of what it should sound like, every now and again.

Browse some of Instant Encore’s listings to find other live performances of classical gems to listen to.