‘Tis the season for celebrating all things “holiday” at FIM, and the Flint Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Pops program has become a fixture for generations of families to get into the spirit. The concert features guest vocalist Billy Petty, as well as returning vocalist, Ally Jackson, both accompanied by FSO on Dec. 21, 7 p.m. at FIM Whiting Auditorium. 

This year’s pops program will be traditional and cozy, explained the FSO’s new orchestra manager Michelle Tschirhart. “There’s lots of nice, feel-good, recognizable music – people will get their opportunity to sing carols, and it will be very festive,” she said.  

Holiday Pops also celebrates a spirit of collaboration by bringing in the Flint Symphony Chorus and Flint Youth Chorus. “It’s thrilling for the kids to be performing on-stage with the orchestra and the adult choir. They’re so excited for Christmas that it adds another dimension to the performance that makes it really special,” said Tschirhart. 

Ally Jackson, a Flint native, is returning to Holiday Pops by popular demand. This will be Jackson’s third pops show at FIM, and she recalled that each performance has been its own unique experience, but all very special to her. “I’ve always enjoyed the variety of music I’ve gotten to sing and creating a Christmas experience for people to enjoy,” Jackson said.  

FIM has a variety of traditional holiday programming throughout the month of December. The Flint School of Performing Arts’ annual Nutcracker brings Tchaikovsky’s beloved ballet to audiences on Dec. 7 & 8, featuring FSPA ballet students and professional guest dancers accompanied by the FSO.  

Exclusive holiday shows coming to the Whiting include Mannheim Steamroller Christmas, the best-selling Christmas artist in music history, featuring 15 musicians playing more than 20 instruments against a backdrop of dazzling multimedia effects on Dec. 10. And Home Free, an all-vocal country group, will mix Christmas classics with timeless country standards on Dec. 12.  

“The great thing about having so much to offer during the holidays is that there’s really something for anyone and everyone who wants to experience a little bit of magic,” said Ella McAndrew, director of programming at Whiting Auditorium.  

Whether it is dancing sugar plum fairies or singing carols alongside the FSO, FIM is the place for making memories this holiday season. For Ally Jackson and countless others, FIM is also a place to call home for the holidays. 

“It’s always a special treat to come back home and celebrate the season singing for my family, friends and hometown. Nashville is where I live, but Flint will always be home.”