COEUR d'ALENE - Join the Coeur d'Alene Symphony Orchestra as it rings in the 2014 holiday season.

The tradition of symphonic excellence continues as members of the Coeur d'Alene Symphony play a classical blockbuster, then don festive apparel to feature Christmas favorites.

This year's Holiday Concert program begins with Tchaikovsky's "Suite No. 3," a piece which may remind audiences of his famous and perhaps overplayed "Nutcracker Suite." The "Suite No. 3" is divided into four movements: Elegie, Valse Melancolique, Scherzo and Tema con Variazioni - a series of short dances followed by a longer theme and variations. Tchaikovsky's skill at writing a lovely tune is prominent in this piece and every section of the orchestra is featured at some point.

The second half of the program is full of surprises and fun. Conductor David Demand will lead the orchestra in favorites like "Sleigh Ride," "The Grinch," a Christmas movie themes medley, and "'Twas The Night Before Christmas," narrated by the new CSO board chair Steve Sibulsky. Some may remember his narration of "Casey at the Bat" at the family concert last year. The concert wraps up with a sing-along medley by local composer Brent Edstrom. Edstrom teaches theory and jazz studies at Whitworth University and the CSO has premiered his two jazz piano concertos in the past few years. The sing-along will be led by local musician and CSO violist Heather Montgomery, who teaches strings at Sacajawea Middle School in Spokane and is a singer/violinist with her folk Americana band Folkinception.

In addition to the musical treats for this concert, original prints of the artwork that's being used in CSO's season program, "Palouse Autumn" by Northwest artist Kristy Busch, will be offered in silent auction at both the Friday and Saturday performances. The prints are matted and framed, and the mattes are signed by all orchestra members. The auction will close at the end of intermission.

This fun and festive event takes place Dec. 5 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. Both concerts are at the Salvation Army Kroc Center in Coeur d'Alene.

Tickets are available by calling 660-2958 or visiting www.cdasymphony.org.