Columbia, S.C. — 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, led by Music Director Morihiko Nakahara. Now in its third year, the holiday-themed variety concert showcases an exciting mix of musical and theatrical talent from across the Midlands.
This year’s performance features vocalists Cat Galán (Stankface, Boomtown Trio), Edwin Hamilton (SC Jazz Masterworks Ensemble), Katie Leitner (Say Femme), and opera singer Johnnie Felder. The evening also includes dance performances by Cola Rep Dance Co. and CCJ Conservatory. Local Elvis tribute artist Bernie Love will close out the first act, and The Columbia Choral Society joins the orchestra for a dynamic and festive second act. Trumpeter Mark Rapp (Cola Jazz) will make a guest appearance, and even Santa will stop in for last-minute Christmas wishes.
A collaborative creation between Nakahara and director Chad Henderson, former Artistic Director of Trustus Theatre and current Marketing Director of the SC Phil, Home for the Holidays brings together artists from across the region for a joyful, high-energy celebration of the season. Tickets are available at SCPhilharmonic.com or through the Koger Center Box Office at 803-251-2222.
Home for the Holidays is one of the Midlands’ final large-scale holiday events of the year—an ideal outing for families, visiting guests, or anyone seeking a new holiday tradition. The 2025 program promises an energetic blend of music that highlights the depth and breadth of the local arts community.
“This concert is a high-energy night that demonstrates the incredible talent in our community,” said Director Chad Henderson. “Planning this show each year is a joy, and we’re returning with an even larger slate of performers who are hometown favorites. I’m especially excited about welcoming our own local Elvis tribute artist, Bernie Love, to close out the first act. We’re going to play Also sprach Zarathustra and do the full Vegas opening and everything.”
Audiences can look forward to timeless holiday favorites, including “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 will reprise last year’s show-stopping performance of “The Prayer,” which earned a mid-show standing ovation. Felder will also deliver a powerful arrangement of “O Holy Night” accompanied by the orchestra and The Columbia Choral Society. Additional highlights of the second act include Christmas Canticles and selections from John Williams’ Home Alone score.
The South Carolina Philharmonic remains committed to presenting live symphonic music and offering dynamic educational opportunities throughout the Midlands. Upholding a longstanding passion for music, the SC Phil embraces its role as a vital contributor to the cultural fabric of the region’s diverse community.
For more information about the South Carolina Philharmonic, visit SCPhilharmonic.com or follow on Facebook and Instagram.
