FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Local Singer-Songwriter Maria Aragon Makes WSO Debut in A Prairie Christmas Celebration

Winnipeg, MB – Nov 26, 2015 – Winnipeg singer-songwriter Maria Aragon makes her Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra (WSO) debut in the annual family, Christmas concert A Prairie Christmas Celebration on Dec 6 at 2:00 pm.

Maria became a star across the Internet when re-tweeted her YouTube video cover of Born this Way, which has garnered over 58 million views and the title of the eighth most-watched video cover in Internet history. This lead to a duet performance of the song in Toronto during Lady Gaga’s The Monster Ball Tour. Since then, Maria has appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and Good Morning America, in addition to numerous live performances including the Canada Day concert on Parliament Hill where Princess Kate and Prince William were in attendance. Maria will sing Schubert’s lovely Ave Maria in her first WSO appearance.

A Prairie Christmas Celebration features a host of wonderful Manitoba talent, including a special guest appearance by Mayor of Winnipeg Brian Bowman. From upbeat carols like Frosty the Snowman, to traditional favourites like O Come All Ye Faithful, there’s almost no end to the holiday cheer to be found on the annual show! Favourite seasonal music goes hand-in-hand with dazzling visual artistry, comedy, dancing, storytelling, a sing-along and plenty of good cheer in an afternoon hosted by Ace Burpee of Virgin 103.1.

A Prairie Christmas Celebration Sunday, Dec 6 - 2:00 PM Centennial Concert Hall Julian Pellicano, conductor Mayor Brian Bowman, special guest narrator Ace Burpee, host Maria Aragon, vocalist Erin Propp, vocalist Larry Roy, guitar Christopher Anstey, violin Those Guys, vocal group Lara Secord-Haid, soprano Samantha Halas, acrobat Mr. Mark, entertainer Pembina Trails Voice Family of Choirs, David Sawatzky, director Cantemus, Chorale, Boys Manny Tuba, mascot Sistema Winnipeg

MUSICIANS IN THE MAKING Pre-concert performance on the Piano Nobile. Sunday, 1:15 PM Sistema Winnipeg

Concert Sponsor:

Tickets start at $25 (including taxes and fees) and are available through the WSO Box Office: 204.949.3999 or wso.ca or Ticketmaster: 1.855.985.ARTS and Ticketmaster.ca

About Maria Aragon:

Maria Aragon, who turned 15 on July 17, 2015, is easily the most recognized and prominent young person in Winnipeg, and one of the most recognized young artists in Canada. Maria was famously discovered by Lady Gaga after posting a cover of Born This Way to YouTube. Maria was voted Entertainer of The Year by the Winnipeg Free Press, and was the most searched term in Canada in 2012-2013. Maria has the eighth most watched video cover in Internet history with over 58 million views and over 280 million views across the web of all of her videos and music. Google views Maria as being the second most powerful example of virility in the history of the Internet. Maria has appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Good Morning America and has been featured in high profile media throughout the world. Maria has performed with former Prime Minister of Canada, Stephen Harper, and has performed for Princess Kate and Prince William on Parliament Hill. Maria will release her debut album in 2016 produced by Narada Michael Walden.

About WSO: The WSO is integral to Winnipeg's rich cultural life, delighting more than 100,000 audience members each year with innovative programming and musical excellence. The WSO presents educational programs for more than 40,000 students annually and tours to communities across Manitoba.

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MEDIA: For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact: Sarah Panas, Marketing & Communications Coordinator p. (204) 949-3970 e: [email protected]