December 5 & 6 / Holiday Pops!
Ryan Murray, conductor
MSO Chorus; Daniel R. Afonso Jr., chorus director
Tony DeSare, guest artist
Fri. Dec 5, 2025 at 7:30pm
Sat. Dec 6, 2025 at 2:00pm
Holiday Pops!
Celebrate the Holidays with the MSO & MSO Chorus!
Performances
Friday, December 5, 2025
7:30 pm / Gallo Center for the Arts
Saturday, December 6, 2025
2:00 pm / Gallo Center for the Arts
For more information about our ticket prices, please visit our Ticketing Information Page.
About this Performance
Ryan Murray, conductor
MSO Chorus
Daniel R. Afonso Jr., chorus director
Tony DeSare, guest artist
There’s no place like the Modesto Symphony Orchestra for the holidays! Vocalist & pianist Tony DeSare joins Principal Pops Conductor Ryan Murray and the MSO Chorus for a program full of jazzy holiday favorites and plenty of yuletide cheer. All of the heartwarming sounds of the season await you and your loved ones at this joyful concert.
featured artists
Pops Series Sponsor
Presenting Sponsor
Additional Notes:
-
The Holiday Pops weekend is a festive time in Downtown Modesto! The annual Celebration of Lights Parade is scheduled for Saturday, December 6 and will cause street closures starting as early as 1pm for the 5:30pm start time. We encourage all patrons to review the parade route and to be aware of all street closures and ‘No Parking’ signs.
-
There’s a great seat for you anywhere in the hall to fit your budget! Check out our seating chart.
-
This concert is a part of our VIP & Pops Subscription Series. As an MSO subscriber, you can save up to 30% off single tickets!
-
Groups of 10 or more save 15% off for this concert. Contact the Gallo Center Group Sales Manager at 209-338-5064 for more information.
December 16 / Holiday Candlelight Concert
Daniel R. Afonso Jr., conductor & chorus director
MSO Chorus
Opus Handbell Ensemble
December 16, 2025 at 8 pm
Holiday Candlelight Concert
The Modesto Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Candlelight Concert is the perfect way to slow down and enjoy the holiday season. Our Modesto Symphony Orchestra is joined Modesto Symphony Orchestra Chorus to perform your favorite traditional hymns to help you and your loved ones feel the warmth and beauty of the holiday season. This unique concert typically is performed every third Tuesday of December in a beautiful church venue, decorated with candlelight and holiday cheer.
Tickets
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2025
Doors Open: 7:00 pm
Concert Starts: 8:00 pm
St. Stanislaus Catholic Church
1200 Maze Blvd, Modesto
For more information about our ticket prices, please visit our Ticketing Information Page.
About Our holiday Candlelight Concert
Daniel R. Afonso Jr., conductor & chorus director
MSO Chorus
Opus Handbell Ensemble
Lisa Traughber, Opus Handbell Ensemble director
The Modesto Symphony’s Holiday Candlelight Concert is the perfect way to slow down and enjoy the holiday season. Hear your favorite traditional Christmas hymns and carols performed by the MSO, MSO Chorus, and the Opus Handbell Ensemble. This unique concert typically is performed every third Tuesday of December at the beautiful St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, decorated with candlelight and holiday cheer.
Venue Information:
St. Stanislaus Catholic Church
1200 Maze Blvd
Modesto, CA 95351
-
For this concert, you will need to bring printed tickets for admission.We highly encourage you to pick up your tickets from the Gallo Center Ticket Office by December 16th to make your entry as swift and simple as possible. Ticket Office hours are Monday to Friday, from 10 AM to 6 PM and Saturday from 12 Noon to 6 PM. Any tickets left in will call, will be available to pick up at the concert.
Print-at-home tickets will not be accepted.
-
We would like to remind you that parking close to the entrance will be limited. Should anyone in your party need to be dropped off close to the entrance, we have a designated area near the entrance that you can use before finding a parking spot.
Please note that we are unable to open the doors before 7 pm due to rehearsals taking place inside the church.
-
Volunteers help with both set up and clean up before and after the concert, as well as ushering. Click here to learn more & sign up. →
Artists
Additional Notes:
-
Subscribers can add-on Holiday Candlelight Concert tickets to their package. Subscribe today to gain early access to next season’s concert as well.
-
Groups of 10 or more save 15% off for this concert. Contact the Gallo Center Group Sales Manager at 209-338-5064 for more information.
FAQs:
-
MSO’s Holiday Candlelight Concert typically takes place every third Tuesday of December.
-
Tickets for Holiday Candlelight Concert may be purchased online at www.modestosymphony.org, www.galloarts.org. You can also purchase tickets by visiting the Gallo Center in person at 1000 I Street, Modesto, CA, calling the Ticket Office at 209-338-2100, or online at www.galloarts.org.
-
There is no dress code for this event.
-
Seating is assigned for this event. You may select your seats upon purchasing your ticket. Groups of 10 or more receive 15% off tickets, to learn more about receiving a group discount call 209-338-2100.
-
Yes! This event is open and welcome to music-lovers of all ages. We also offer youth pricing.
-
To learn more about how to keep music in our community and supporting the Modesto Symphony Orchestra, visit our Give Page.
December 6 & 7 / Holiday Pops!
Ryan Murray, conductor
Nikki Renée Daniels, guest artist
MSO Chorus, Daniel R. Afonso Jr., chorus director
Fri. Dec 6, 2024 at 7:30pm
Sat. Dec 7, 2024 at 2:00pm
Holiday Pops!
Celebrate the Holidays with the MSO & MSO Chorus!
festive
•
nostaglic
•
jolly
•
festive • nostaglic • jolly •
Performances
Friday, December 6, 2024
7:30 pm / Gallo Center for the Arts
Saturday, December 7, 2024
2:00 pm / Gallo Center for the Arts
For more information about our ticket prices, please visit our Ticketing Information Page.
About this Performance
Ryan Murray, conductor
MSO Chorus
Daniel R. Afonso Jr., chorus director
Nikki Renée Daniels, guest artist
Start your holidays on the right note! This season, acclaimed actress and concert soloist Nikki Renée Daniels joins the MSO and the MSO Chorus! Nikki is currently starring as Lady Larken in the Broadway revival of Once Upon a Mattress, and will dazzle us all as we perform your holiday favorites!
Presenting Sponsor
Program Book:
featured artists
Media & More
Additional Notes:
-
The Holiday Pops weekend is a festive time in Downtown Modesto! The annual Celebration of Lights Parade is scheduled for Saturday, December 7 and will cause street closures starting as early as 1pm for the 5:30pm start time. We encourage all patrons to review the parade route and to be aware of all street closures and ‘No Parking’ signs.
-
There’s a great seat for you anywhere in the hall to fit your budget! Check out our seating chart.
-
This concert is a part of our VIP & Pops Subscription Series. As an MSO subscriber, you can save up to 30% off single tickets!
-
Groups of 10 or more save 15% off for this concert. Contact the Gallo Center Group Sales Manager at 209-338-5064 for more information.
December 17 / Holiday Candlelight Concert
Daniel R. Afonso Jr., conductor
Opus Handbell Ensemble
December 17, 2024 at 8 pm
Holiday Candlelight Concert
serene
•
glorious
•
ethereal
•
serene • glorious • ethereal •
The Modesto Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Candlelight Concert is the perfect way to slow down and enjoy the holiday season. Our Modesto Symphony Orchestra is joined Modesto Symphony Orchestra Chorus to perform your favorite traditional hymns to help you and your loved ones feel the warmth and beauty of the holiday season. This unique concert typically is performed every third Tuesday of December in a beautiful church venue, decorated with candlelight and holiday cheer.
Tickets
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2024
Doors Open: 7:00 pm
Concert Starts: 8:00 pm
St. Stanislaus Catholic Church
1200 Maze Blvd, Modesto
Have a group of 10 or more? Call the Gallo Center for the Arts at 209-338-5064
and save up to 15% off tickets!
About Our holiday Candlelight Concert
Daniel R. Afonso Jr., conductor & chorus director
MSO Chorus
Opus Handbell Ensemble
Lisa Traughber, Opus Handbell Ensemble director
Back again at the beautiful St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, the Modesto Symphony’s Holiday Candlelight Concert is the perfect way to slow down and enjoy the holiday season. Hear your favorite traditional Christmas hymns and carols performed by the MSO, MSO Chorus, and the Opus Handbell Ensemble. This unique concert typically is performed every third Tuesday of December in a beautiful church venue, decorated with candlelight and holiday cheer.
Venue Information:
St. Stanislaus Catholic Church
1200 Maze Blvd
Modesto, CA 95351
-
For this concert, you will need to bring printed tickets for admission. We highly encourage you to pick up your tickets from the Gallo Center Ticket Office by December 16th to make your entry as swift and simple as possible. Ticket Office hours are Monday to Friday, from 10 AM to 6 PM and Saturday from 12 Noon to 6 PM. Any tickets left in will call, will be available to pick up at the concert.
Print-at-home tickets will not be accepted.
-
We would like to remind you that parking close to the entrance will be limited. Should anyone in your party need to be dropped off close to the entrance, we have a designated area near the entrance that you can use before finding a parking spot.
Please note that we are unable to open the doors before 7 pm due to rehearsals taking place inside the church.
-
Volunteers help with both set up and clean up before and after the concert, as well as ushering. Click here to learn more & sign up. →
Artists
Additional Notes:
-
Subscribers can add-on Holiday Candlelight Concert tickets to their package. Subscribe today to gain early access to next season’s concert as well.
-
Groups of 10 or more save 15% off for this concert. Contact the Gallo Center Group Sales Manager at 209-338-5064 for more information.
FAQs:
-
MSO’s Holiday Candlelight Concert typically takes place every third Tuesday of December.
-
Tickets for Holiday Candlelight Concert may be purchased online at www.modestosymphony.org, www.galloarts.org. You can also purchase tickets by visiting the Gallo Center in person at 1000 I Street, Modesto, CA, calling the Ticket Office at 209-338-2100, or online at www.galloarts.org.
-
There is no dress code for this event.
-
Seating is assigned for this event. You may select your seats upon purchasing your ticket. Groups of 10 or more receive 15% off tickets, to learn more about receiving a group discount call 209-338-2100.
-
Yes! This event is open and welcome to music-lovers of all ages. We also offer youth pricing.
-
To learn more about how to keep music in our community and supporting the Modesto Symphony Orchestra, visit our Give Page.
December 1 & 2 / Holiday Pops!
Ryan Murray, conductor
Ashley Brown, guest vocalist
A Practically Perfect Holiday in Every Way!
Holiday Pops! with Ashley Brown
Tickets: $20 / 36 / 52 / 72 / 94
Performances
Saturday, December 2, 2023**
2:00 pm / Gallo Center for the Arts
Friday, December 1, 2023
7:30 pm / Gallo Center for the Arts
About this Performance
Ryan Murray, conductor
Ashley Brown, guest vocalist
Daniel R. Afonso Jr., chorus director
MSO Chorus
Get in the holiday spirit with the Modesto Symphony and the MSO Chorus! This year, we’ve invited Broadway’s Ashley Brown (Mary Poppins) to help make this season’s Holiday Pops! practically perfect in every way.
Presenting Sponsor
**PARKING ADVISORY FOR DECEMBER 2'S PERFORMANCE:
The Holiday Pops weekend is a festive time in Downtown Modesto! The annual Celebration of Lights Parade is scheduled for Saturday, December 2 and will cause street closures starting as early as 1pm for the 5:30pm start time. We encourage all patrons to review the parade route and to be aware of all street closures and ‘No Parking’ signs.
Artists
Additional Notes:
✔ Perfect for families of all ages!
✔ Part of our VIP & Pops Subscription Series.
✔ Group pricing is available, save up to 15% off your order!
December 19 / Holiday Candlelight Concert
Daniel R. Afonso Jr., conductor
December 19, 2023 at 8 pm
*Tickets are sold out!
A COMMUNITY TRADITION RETURNS
Holiday Candlelight Concert
The Modesto Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Candlelight Concert is the perfect way to slow down and enjoy the holiday season. Our Modesto Symphony Orchestra is joined Modesto Symphony Orchestra Chorus, and Opus Handbell Ensemble to perform your favorite traditional hymns to help you and your loved ones feel the warmth and beauty of the holiday season. This unique concert typically is performed every third Tuesday of December in a beautiful church venue, decorated with candlelight and holiday cheer.
Tickets
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2023
Doors Open: 7:00 pm
Concert Starts: 8:00 pm
Our Lady of Fatima Church
505 W. Granger Ave., Modesto
VIP SEATING
Adult: $59 / Youth: $20
STANDARD SEATING
Adult: $39 / Youth: $10
Youth prices are for ages 17 and younger.
About Our holiday Candlelight Concert
Daniel R. Afonso Jr., conductor & chorus director
MSO Chorus
Opus Handbell Ensemble
Rich Colla, Opus Handbell Ensemble director
The Modesto Symphony’s Holiday Candlelight Concert is the perfect way to slow down and enjoy the holiday season. This year, join the MSO, MSO Chorus, and the Opus Handbell Ensemble in a new location—the beautiful Our Lady of Fatima Church as they perform your favorite traditional Christmas hymns, and works by Bach, Holst, Saint-Saëns, and selections from Handel’s Messiah.
Venue Information:
Our Lady of Fatima Church
505 W. Granger Avenue
Modesto, CA 95350
Dr. Daniel R. Afonso Jr. has served as conductor of the Modesto Symphony Orchestra Chorus since it’s foundation in 2001. Under the skillful and inspiring direction of Dr. Afonso Jr., the MSO Chorus is a regional ensemble of singers of all ages and experience who share a commitment to performing concerts of the highest artistic quality and enhancing the appreciation and enjoyment of choral music among members and audiences alike.
PRINTED TICKETS REQUIRED!
For this concert, you will need to bring printed tickets for admission.
We highly encourage you to pick up your tickets from the Gallo Center Ticket Office by December 18th to make your entry as swift and simple as possible. Ticket Office hours are Monday to Friday, from 10 AM to 6 PM and Saturday from 12 Noon to 6 PM. Any tickets left in will call, will be available to pick up at the concert.
Print-at-home tickets will not be accepted.
Parking information
Parking at Our Lady of Fatima Church is free, but the parking lot has limited capacity.
The parking lot will be available starting at 6:45 pm. There will be volunteer parking attendants to guide you to a spot.
Entrance & exit for the lot are on Sherwood Avenue only.
Street parking in the surrounding neighborhood is free with no time limit.
Artists
Additional Notes:
✔ Subscribers can add-on Holiday Candlelight Concert tickets to their package. Subscribe today to gain early access to next season’s concert as well.
✔ Group pricing is available.
FAQ
When and where will the Candlelight Concert take place?
MSO’s Holiday Candlelight Concert typically takes place every third Tuesday of December.
How can I purchase tickets for the Candlelight Concert?
Tickets for Holiday Candlelight Concert may be purchased online at www.modestosymphony.org, www.galloarts.org. You can also purchase tickets by visiting the Gallo Center in person at 1000 I Street, Modesto, CA, calling the Ticket Office at 209-338-2100, or online at www.galloarts.org.
Is there a dress code for the event?
There is no dress code for this event.
Are there any special COVID-19 precautions for the event?
There are no special COVID-19 precautions for the event.
Can I request specific seating arrangements for my group?
Seating is assigned for this event. You may select your seats upon purchasing your ticket. Groups of 10 or more receive 15% off tickets, to learn more about receiving a group discount call 209-338-2100.
Is the event appropriate for classical music enthusiasts as well as newcomers?
Yes! This event is open and welcome to music-lovers of all ages. We also offer youth pricing.
How Can I Support the Modesto Symphony Orchestra?
To learn more about how to keep music in our community and supporting the Modesto Symphony Orchestra, visit our Give Page.
