Over two unforgettable nights, December 2–3, country music icon Trisha Yearwood lit up the Schermerhorn Symphony Center with a pair of performances that blended elegance, humor, personal storytelling, and world-class musicianship. Backed by the exceptional Nashville Symphony under the direction of conductor Enrico Lopez-Yañez, Yearwood delivered shows that were equal parts concert, holiday celebration, and heartfelt personal tribute — a festive gift to Nashville at the start of the season.
A Voice Made for Orchestral Storytelling
Yearwood has long been one of country music’s most expressive vocalists, and hearing her repertoire and holiday selections framed by lush symphonic arrangements was nothing short of cinematic. Favorites like “Walkaway Joe,” “Wrong Side of Memphis,” and “She’s in Love with the Boy” took on fresh emotional weight as strings, brass, and woodwinds added stunning new color to already beloved melodies.
And while her voice soared, Yearwood’s signature warmth and humor tied the entire performance together. Between songs, she joked comfortably with the audience — almost like she was hosting a holiday gathering rather than performing on one of Nashville’s most revered stages.
Night 2: Gold, Glamour & Classic Trisha Stories
Night 2 came with extra sparkle. Yearwood opened the evening in a shimmering full-length gold gown, switching to a gold pantsuit after intermission that gleamed beneath the symphony lights. It was a stylish contrast to the elegant black floor-length dress she wore the first night — but both looks captured her timeless, classic presence.
Her banter, as always, was effortless and funny. She shared stories about her family, cracked one-liners, and even confessed that she’d left her gold heels at home, joking that she’d probably trip on her dress at some point.
Night 2 also came with an unexpected shift: her longtime guitarist was out sick. But in true professional fashion, Yearwood’s band and the Nashville Symphony filled the space beautifully, reshaping arrangements with grace and delivering a performance so seamless that many would never have known a change occurred.
A Holiday-Infused Setlist Full of Heart
Night 2’s setlist was a rich blend of nostalgia, storytelling, holiday classics, and deeply personal tributes, with each song presented with intention and emotion. She opened with “Christmas Is Here” from her latest album. “Blue Christmas,” was next up sharing a hilarious story about wanting to marry a five-year-old Elvis, before moving into a warm nod to Julie Andrews with “My Favorite Things.” Her playful side came alive during a theatrical take on “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” while “It’s Just Another New Year’s Eve” brought a tender Barry Manilow moment to the room.
Yearwood and the symphony then delivered a lush rendition of “Merry Christmas Valentine,” her duet with Garth Brooks beautifully reimagined with orchestral depth. From there, she shifted into the fun, whimsical energy of “Candy Cane Lane,” followed by one of the evening’s most emotional highlights — “When October Settles In,” written after the passing of her mother. The first half closed with her dreamy, gorgeously arranged performance of “Pure Imagination.”
After intermission — now sparkling in her gold pantsuit — Yearwood set a new tone with a smooth, classic run through “A Man With a Bag.” She then offered a heartfelt take on Dolly Parton’s “Hard Candy Christmas,” and brought reverence and warmth to “Take a Walk Through Bethlehem.” The night’s country roots came through with “Wrong Side of Memphis,” followed by a bluesy, crowd-pleasing “Santa Claus Is Back in Town.” Yearwood then delivered another touching family moment with “A Mother’s Smile ,” honoring the women who shaped her. She continued with soaring, powerful versions of “Walkaway Joe” and “That’s What I Like About You,” before the crowd erupted at the first notes of “She’s in Love with the Boy.” To close, she offered a sweeping, emotional performance of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” a finale that left the hall glowing with awe.
Each song landed with its own moment of magic, thanks to Lopez-Yañez’s vibrant conducting and the orchestra’s ability to shift seamlessly from playful holiday cheer to intimate emotional depth.
A Night That Gave Back
Adding an extra layer of meaning, part of the proceeds from the December 3 performance benefited local animal shelters, including MuttNation. She encouraged the audience to donate this holiday season, reminding everyone that giving back can be one of the most powerful traditions of all.
A Two-Night Triumph
By the final notes of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” it was clear why these concerts were such a standout addition to Nashville’s holiday calendar. Trisha Yearwood’s voice, humor, heart, and deep connection to her fans — combined with the power of the Nashville Symphony — created an experience that felt both grand and deeply personal.
For anyone visiting living in or visiting Nashville — whether you’re a lifelong country fan, a lover of orchestral music, or simply searching for a memorable night out — an evening with the Nashville Symphony is the perfect way to experience the city’s rich musical heartbeat. It’s a quintessential Nashville experience: elegant, heartfelt, and absolutely unforgettable.