That bastion of tradition, the Pittsburgh Symphony Pops, is taking a walk on the wild side at its annual holiday concert. The Mendelssohn Choir wasn't "too hot to Handel" a gospel rendition of the "Hallelujah Chorus." Nor was the Sugarplum Fairy above battling Sugar Rum Cherry for top dance honors.

On the whole, this Pops program at Heinz Hall was a fast-paced, intelligent mix of seasonal cheer. There were a few barbs on the down of this thistle Wednesday: Conductor Robert Bernhardt, while skilled with the baton, allowed his dry humor to deteriorate into self-deprecation; soprano Karin Mushegain seemed out of place for Mrs. Claus in her tight red dress; and Santa himself, despite a nice turn of Sean Connery phrase in a Bond bit, was out of sorts with the rest of his program.

But this Christmas tree of a concert had plenty of bright ornaments. The sparkling topper came in the form of the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh, under the able direction of Betsy Burleigh. If this performance was any indication, great things are in store for the Mendelssohn in coming years.

Burleigh has installed a sleek and transparent sound, improved diction and rhythmic accuracy. From top to bottom, the sections were individually brilliant, but the blend remained cohesive from a thrilling "Sleigh Ride" to turns on unusual but welcome fare like John Rutter's "What Sweeter Music" and Randol Alan Bass' "Gloria."

Probably the biggest ornament came in the form of Attack Theatre, known for "This Ain't the Nutcracker." The quartet of dancers gave a sharp candy-cane twist to the traditional, covering the narrow stage space with an exhilarating feast of athletic choreography.

The second act reverted to traditional elements, with the angelic sounds of Christine Jordanoff's Children's Festival Chorus, and a sing-along with the participants massed in front of an array of wonderfully lit trees and wreaths.

The Pittsburgh Symphony will present Holiday Pops concerts at 8 tonight; 2:30 and 8 p.m. tomorrow; and 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Information: 412-392-4900 or www.pittsburghsymphony.org.