‘Sounds of Christmas’ Set for Dec. 5

Special to the Journal

After missing out last year due to the pandemic, the North Shore Philharmonic Orchestra will be back at St. Anthony’s Church Sunday, December 5 at 4 p.m. for Revere’s annual Robert A. Marra Memorial “Sounds of Christmas” Concert, a tradition dating back 45 years.

The Orchestra resumed its regular concert schedule earlier this month. “Little did we know, when we played our last concert on March 1, 2020, that we would be unable to play live

music together for almost two years,” said Music Director Robert Lehmann, who has led the NSPO since 1998 and enjoyed the immense popularity of the Revere Christmas concert. “We’re looking forward to our return to St. Anthony’s and Revere.”

Covid-19 precautions will make the experience a little different for everyone. All patrons must present a vaccination card or proof of a negative Covid test taken no more than 72 hours prior to the concert. Everyone, including the musicians, will wear masks during the concert.

The concert is principally sponsored by Global Partners LP, Bocchino Insurance Agency, RCN, Comcast, and Action Emergency Services. Admission to the “Sounds of Christmas” Concert is free in exchange for a generous donation of non-perishable food to benefit the Revere Food Pantry.

“The concert has a long and proud relationship with our sponsors and the Revere Food

Pantry,” said NSPO president and concert co-chair Robert Marra. “The Food Drive is a way that everyone can enlarge the sponsors’ generosity. The need is great. Although the world is slowly getting back on track amid the pandemic, many people are still staggered by the economic hardship that has resulted from last year’s drastic restrictions.”

The Concert is named in honor of life long Revere resident, violinist Robert A. Marra Sr., a 40-year Revere High teacher, concertmaster of the NSPO, and one of the concer originators 45 years ago who died in 2002. The concert program will feature a variety of popular holiday favorites and feature soprano Jean Danton, who has performed many times with the NSPO.