Now in his 13th season conducting the Williamsport Symphony Orchestra, Maestro Gerardo Edelstein is excited to kick off the most wonderful time of the year with the community as the full orchestra returns to the stage for his 13th holiday concert.

“It’s the lucky number. I was born on the 13th, so every time I see that number, it’s good luck,” Edelstein laughed. “I can’t believe it’s already been 13 years. It’s fantastic for this community to have an orchestra of this caliber, and, for me, it’s very rewarding to work with such fine musicians.”

The maestro’s high spirits were infectious as he sang the praises of the orchestra and shared his eagerness for the holiday concert, to begin at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Community Arts Center, 220 W. Fourth St.

Joined by special guests, the Williamsport high school choirs, Williamsport Symphony Orchestra plans to awe concertgoers with a curated mix of Christian, Jewish and nonsecular holiday classics.

Though Edelstein suggests that patrons “expect some surprises, as usual,” the evening is set to open with selections from “The Messiah,” by George Frideric Handel, and include staples such as Leroy Anderson’s “A Christmas Festival” and “Sleigh Ride.”

This year’s rendition of Tchaikovsky’s beloved “Nutcracker Suite” will be a little different from usual, Edelstein said.

“This year, the twist is that we’re going to have a jazz version of it,” he said, adding that the piece was arranged by renowned pianist and composer Duke Ellington. “This is the big novelty from previous concerts.”

Another special guest at the concert will be Anh Nguyen, of State College, who will join the orchestra as its 2022 Young Artists Competition winner.

Edelstein is happy to bring the community together around music for one and all, he said.

“It’s the perfect way to start the holiday season — whatever religion you are, whatever you celebrate,” he said. “By calling it ‘the holiday concert,’ I always wanted to keep it open to all the different celebrations and religions.

“This is a time to celebrate, especially after what we went through with COVID,” Edelstein continued. “I think that, coming back on stage and celebrating with music, it’s — for me — the best that I can hope for. I don’t get tired of playing some of the music over and over, you know. I get excited, and it’s the same thing for the orchestra.”

Visit the Community Arts Center’s website at caclive.com to purchase tickets and for more information.

The orchestra offers discounted pricing for students, elementary through college-age, with ID. Rush tickets also are available for students, meaning any remaining tickets are free within an hour of showtime.