AUBURN - Tonight, the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra is bringing its interpretation on the holiday classics to Auburn High School.

Resident Conductor Grant Cooper will lead this year's Holiday Pops sponsored by First Niagara - the first local appearance since 1995. Making her debut is guest vocalist Mara Bonde.

In addition to a spirited holiday sing-along, the program cuts through a number of classics. The opening half includes "Holiday Ornaments," "Canadian Brass Christmas," "Hanukkah Medley," "Silent Night," and "Holiday Medley."

Several of the numbers were penned by the late Calvin Custer, who was a beloved member of the SSO. Bonde, a renowned vocalist with the Boston Pops, will take center stage with Franz Schubert's "Ave Maria," "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear," and "Away in a Manger."

The second half will feature standouts such as the "Twelve Days of Christmas," "Sleigh Ride," and Mel Torme's "The Christmas Song."

During its 39-week season, the Syracuse Symphony's 75-member orchestra performs for more than 252,000 audience members through 200 full-orchestra and ensemble concerts in 23 counties throughout the state.

For more information about the SSO, visit the orchestra's Web site at SyracuseSymphony.org.