SC Philharmonic returns with 3rd annual “Home for the Holidays”

Columbia’s new favorite holiday tradition celebrates the wealth of artistic talent in the Midlands

The South Carolina Philharmonic presents Home for the Holidays on Thursday, December 18, 2025 at 7:30 PM at the Koger Center for the Arts under the baton of Music Director Morihiko Nakahara. As this concert is a holiday-themed variety show, the orchestra will be joined by singers Cat Galán (Stankface, Boomtown Trio), Edwin Hamilton (SC Jazz Masterworks Ensemble), Katie Leitner (Say Femme) and opera singer Johnnie Felder. The concert includes dance performances from Cola Rep Dance Co. and CCJ Conservatory. Local Elvis tribute Bernie Love closes the first act, and The Columbia Choral Society joins the orchestra for the thrilling second act. Trumpeter Mark Rapp (Cola Jazz) makes an appearance, and Santa will also be on hand for any last-minute requests. This joyful concert is a creative collaboration between Music Director Morihiko Nakahara and director Chad Henderson, the former Artistic Director of Trustus Theatre and current Marketing Director of the SC Phil. Tickets may be purchased by visiting scphilharmonic.com or by calling the Koger Center Box Office at 803-251-2222.

Home for the Holidays is one of the Midlands’ last large-scale holiday-themed events of the year. This concert is a great way to entertain family and friends who have gathered for the holidays, and for those who are looking for new traditions. Created in collaboration with Music Director Morihiko Nakahara and local theatre director Chad Henderson, this concert is an energetic experience that celebrates the Midlands arts scene.

“This concert is a high-energy night that is a demonstration of the talent in our community,” said Director Chad Henderson. “It’s been such a joy planning this concert every year, and this year we’re returning with an even larger slate of guest performers who are favorites in town. I’m personally excited about our very own local Elvis tribute, Bernie Love, coming on board to close out the first act. We’re going to play Also sprach Zarathustra and do the Vegas opening and everything.” Undoubtedly, this holiday concert will be a great opportunity for audiences to unwind and get into the spirit.

In addition to the fun Elvis portion of the program, audiences can expect to hear holiday classics like The Christmas Song, I’ll Be Home for Christmas, Sleigh Ride and It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year. Opera singer Johnnie Felder and Cat Galán return for an encore performance of The Prayer – which brought audiences to their feet mid-show last year. Mr. Felder will perform a thrilling arrangement of O Holy Night with the orchestra and The Columbia Choral Society. The choir will also join the orchestra for Christmas Canticles and selections from John Williams’ Home Alone score, among others, in the second act of the show.

The South Carolina Philharmonic is committed to performing live symphonic music and providing dynamic educational opportunities in the Midlands. We carry forward a legacy of passion for the music and embrace our responsibility to be a vibrant part of the cultural fabric of our diverse community.

For more information about the South Carolina Philharmonic, please visit SCPhilharmonic.com or follow on Facebook and Instagram.