David Itkin’s swan song
ARKANSAS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA YULETIDE SPECTACULAR
8 p.m., Robinson Center Music Hall. $17-$72.
In his final Yuletide Spectacular — we’re up to number five for those keeping score at home — Maestro David Itkin mines old favorites from his past 15 years at the helm of the ASO. Songs like “Santa’s Gonna Rock and Roll,” “I Want a Hippopotamus for Chrismas,” “I’m Getting Nuttin’ for Christmas,” “Silent Night” and “White Christmas.” As usual, the concert is chock full of guest performers, including dancers from the Shuffles and Ballet II, the Central Arkansas Youth Choir, the Old School Bluegrass Band and vocalists Mary Ann Robinson, Matt Newman, Leslie Harper and Mary Katelin Ward. The ASO reprises the spectacular with two Saturday performances, at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.