A new concert suite from It’s a Wonderful Life will be performed by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra (DSO) as part of its Christmas pops concert on Thursday, December 4, 2008, at Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas. The suite, which includes the “Prologue,” “Theme,” and “Christmas Eve Finale,” has been arranged by Patrick Russ and incorporates earlier orchestrations by Paul Marquart and Christopher Palmer. Russ has restored the colorful character of Tiomkin’s original soundtrack in this arrangement, which ends, as the film does, with the emotive theme “Auld Lang Syne.” Leading the concert is Richard Kaufman, the orchestra’s principal pops conductor. The program also features a festive evening of yuletide carols with the orchestra, Christmas Chorale, and vocalist Ron Raines. Performances are also scheduled for Friday and Saturday, December 5 and 6. The concert is part of the DSO’s Pops series. Call the DSO ticket office at (214) 692-0203, or go to dallassymphony.com.

Also in December, It’s a Wonderful Life will screen in London for members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. A holiday reception for Academy members precedes the screening.