Maestro Mariusz Smoloj conducts the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra while soprano Sasha Massey sings Sunday afternoon inside St. Peter’s Catholic Church during the 10th annual ‘Sounds of the Season.’

St. Peter’s Catholic Church was packed with a full house Sunday afternoon when the Iberia Cultural Resources Association celebrated its 10th annual “Sounds of the Season” concert. 

As usual, the event featured the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra treating local residents and visitors to a variety of tunes inspired by the holiday season. The musical selections ranged from more classical pieces like Waltz of Flowers from “Nutcracker” to songs from “Frosty the Snowman.” 

Traditional spirituals were also played, such as “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,” “Amazing Grace” and “Ride On, King Jesus.”

The 47-piece orchestra was conducted by Maestro Mariusz Smolij and partially aided by guest soprano Sasha Massey.

Smolij called the event a success, especially with the turnout being so large for its 10-year anniversary. 

“There seems to be a lot of support for the event. People are showing up and the halls are being filled, so it’s a good thing,” Smolij said. 

Cathy Indest, director of the Iberia Cultural Resources Association, thanked the sponsors of the event for their enthusiastic and continued support as well as the men, women and children who turned out to support the performing arts within the parish. 

Many of those attending were as thankful for the concert as the organizers. Event-goer Mary LeBlanc, who said she never misses an ICRA event, was grateful for the continuing efforts of the ICRA.

“It’s amazing to have this kind of talent for the local area,” LeBlanc said before the concert. “I never miss these events because the quality is so good.”

In addition to the music itself, Indest honored three former veteran board members of the Iberia Cultural Resources Association: Dianne Landry, Claire Mire and Aline Porter. 

There also were some treats for the children, as the ICRA has put in more effort to get the younger people in Iberia Parish exposed to local culture through its programs. 

Santa Claus was available to children after the event, and an ornament tree near the stage at St. Peter’s was decorated by children who had designed ornaments specifically for the occasion. 

Board members said last week that they hope the tree will be moved to a public space in New Iberia so local residents and visitors could enjoy it for the rest of the holiday season.