Sigmund Romberg (1887–1951) was an Austrian composer, famous for his operettas (The Student Prince, The Desert Song, Viennese Nights) who became even more well-known as an orchestra conductor and radio host. He collaborated with the likes of Gershwin, Porter and Berlin.
“Romy,” as he was called, and the Sigmund Rothberg Orchestra began touring in the 1940s, performing Broadway tunes (including many of his own), classics, pops and, yes, Christmas music.
Which brings us to this week’s performance by the New Sigmund Rothberg Orchestra. The concert – Wednesday, Dec. 2 at Skidaway Island Presbyterian Church, 54 Diamond Causeway – is called “A Viennese Christmas,” with the full orchestra and vocalists performing traditional carols and holiday songs, European sleigh–ride standards, and a generous helping of Rothberg chestnuts to roast on your open fire.
The current cross–country tour represents the New Sigmund Romberg Orchestra’s 15th anniversary season. Jason Altieri conducts. Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. concert are $35; call (912) 598–0151.
Free folkies
Nashville–based singer/songwriter Joni Bishop, a past performer at the Savannah Folk Music Society’s First Friday series, will appear Friday, Dec. 11 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1707 Bull Street. It’s an annual event, and it’s free, and The Sacred Heart Church Folk Choir will open. That’s a 15–member ensemble featuring vocals, guitar, bass, Irish drum and flute.
The 7 p.m. concert is free (a “love offering” will be taken).
Chinese acrobatics
Time–honored traditions infuse the acrobatics, traditional dance, ancient and contemporary music and theatrical techniques of the Chinese Golden Dragon Acrobats, coming to Georgia Southern University (Statesboro) Jan. 22.
This award–winning troupe jumps, twists, turns, flies and defies gravity, putting on a show that blends awe–inspiring stunts with colorful costume designs, tremendous skill levels and good old showbiz panache. Tickets are $25 for the 7:30 p.m. show, held in the school’s spiffy performing arts center.
Fantastic fretmen
Guitarists Lulo Reinhardt, Itamar Erez, Stephen Bennettt and Brian Gore constitute the lineup for the International Guitar Night tour, which comes to the Lucas Theatre Jan. 23. These are four exemplary acoustic guitarists who individually, cover a variety of styles. Reinhardt, in fact, is a gypsy jazz player who fronts a band called Django Reinhardt and the Heartbreakers. Which is a pretty darn cool name. Tickets are $14–$37 at (912) 525–5050, or online at www.lucastheatre.com.
